Adventist Student Leaders Issue Statement on Annual Council
Editor’s Note: On November 6, 2018, the Adventist Intercollegiate Association and Adventist Christian Fellowship student leaders issued a statement which was read at the North American Division Year-end Meetings. The statement follows in its entirety.
Brothers and Sisters,
As representatives of the youth and young adults within the North American Division, we are speaking from a place of deep care and love for our church. Recognizing Christ as the foundation of our faith in the Seventh-day Adventist church, we strive to mirror the Savior’s ministry of love on earth by exemplifying the living gospel that bridges barriers and provides hope to humanity.
On October 14th, 2018, a document was passed at the Annual Council. Since then, we bear witness to the pain, division, and disappointment that the document has caused among our peers. It is disheartening to see our church in conflict, when it is meant to be a safe haven for all.
Despite the conflict, we affirm:
• The mission and purpose of our church
• Christ’s desire for unity through diversity in our church
• The heartfelt desire to play an active role in our church
• The value of collaboration and mentorship from spiritual leaders in our church
We long for opportunities to create intentional relationships with our church leadership and be actively involved, by facilitating conversations and making decisions about our church.
To the youth and young adults of the NAD: In the midst of uncertainty and confusion, hold fast to your faith, and do not be discouraged. We hear you, we see you, and we stand with you. We affirm your desire to further the work of the Lord. This is not the time to walk away from our church, but a time in our history to speak out, to stand up, and to actively seek roles in restoring our local and global church.
Brothers and Sisters: We need you. Our church needs you.
Adventist Intercollegiate Association & Adventist Christian Fellowship
NAD Executive Committee Members
Ashton Hardin, Student Association President, La Sierra University
Kenzie Hardy, Student Association President, Pacific Union College
Bianca Ludvig Arao, Adventist Christian Fellowship Representative
Sara Devaraj, Student Association President, Washington Adventist University
Angenita Pierre-Louis, Associated Student Body President, Union College
Denard Fenaud, Student Association President, Andrews University SGPS
Dustin Baumbach, Student Association President, Loma Linda University
Dylan Gibbons, Student Association Executive Vice President, Southern Adventist University
Justin Thornton, United Student Movement President, Oakwood University
Katie Folkenberg, Associated Students of Walla Walla University President
LJ Robinson, Student Association President, Andrews University
Matthew Hanson, Student Association President, Southwestern Adventist University
Tchiana Augustin, Student Association President, Burman University
Rajesh Inparaj, Adventist Intercollegiate Association President
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This statement was provided for distribution by the NAD Communications Department.
Logos courtesy of AIA and ACF.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated to include the student leader names.
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