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Vice President for Finance Leaving Oregon Conference

The Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists announced that Eric C. Davis, the vice president for finance, will be leaving his position on April 11. Davis’s departure comes amid a budget crisis at the conference that has led to a planned 20 percent workforce reduction.

Davis became vice president in May 2023 after serving as the association treasurer for the conference. He was the associate treasurer of the Washington Conference for seven years before joining Oregon in 2022.

According to documents obtained by Spectrum, the Oregon Conference 2023 budget was proposed before Davis became vice president. By late 2023, the conference sustained several million dollars in losses, leading to cutbacks announced earlier this year.

“I thank the conference administrative team for placing confidence in me to have helped chart a course toward improved fiscal health for the Conference going forward,” Davis said in the conference’s statement announcing his departure. “I also embrace this opportunity to prioritize spending more time with my wife and young son.”

President Dan Linrud praised Davis’s work. “The Oregon Conference truly has been blessed by Eric’s contributions during this financially challenging period; he has provided tremendous leadership with our administrative team under God’s guidance,” Linrud said in the statement.

Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Alex Aamodt |

“Why Are Young People Leaving?” the Adventist Church Asks on Instagram

In a recent post, the Adventist Church’s official Instagram account asked for people to respond why they think a large number of young members leave the denomination.

Many left comments. “Young people have vocally, honestly been answering this question for over a decade now—but ironically the GC and those who emulate it just respond with ‘No, it can’t be that,’” wrote Adventist creator Kaleb Eisele.

Spectrum has also covered the topic extensively over the years. Recently, Samuel Girven interviewed 16 young adults who left the church and 5 who stayed. As one would expect, the reasons for leaving are diverse, but there is much to learn from their personal stories.

Read more: “Young (Ex)Adventists and Their Stories” by Samuel Girven (August 18, 2023).

Alex Aamodt |

In Kettering Health Investigation Shadow, Columbia Union Elects Marcellus Robinson President

Today, in a special session led by G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division, the Columbia Union executive committee elected Marcellus T. Robinson its next president. Robinson will immediately fill the office, left vacant after Dave Weigley’s sudden retirement on March 1. 

Robinson is currently president of the Allegheny East Conference and will lead both entities “for a period of time,” according to the union.

The Allegheny East Conference elected Robinson president in October 2022. Prior to that, he held roles including departmental director and secretary/vice president for administration. 

As Columbia Union president, Robinson succeeds Dave Weigley, the only person in the North American Division to simultaneously chair the boards of two healthcare systems—Adventist HealthCare and Kettering Health. 

Weigley left office amid an ongoing investigation by the Ohio Attorney General over alleged financial misconduct at Kettering Health during Weigley’s tenure as its board chair. “I don’t wish to be a distraction from the mission of the church,” Weigley said, announcing his departure. “It’s in the best interest of the Columbia Union for me to retire at this time.”  

According to WHIO-TV, Weigley and former Kettering Health CEO Fred Manchur have been referred to as the “masterminds behind the abuse of charitable funds.” The duo allegedly used hospital funds to cover personal and political expenses. 

Samuel Girven |
Volume 51, Issue 3-4

“Spinning at Spectrum,” a playlist of the latest music in and around our community. Curated by Maxwell Aka.

Recent Articles

the One project Orlando

One Church?: A Report on “the One project” Orlando

Since the project feels it accomplished its goal of centering Christ in Adventist discourse, it now functions as a deep social scene—a nutritious petri dish for Adventists repelled by traditional camp meetings or GYC conventions as places to convene and connect. The project excels in two ways, from which the church needs to continue learning: First, the One project references scripture highly and holds it in high regard. The sacred text feels sacred. Second, its conferences foster genuine community. 

Jesus, Money Tables, Cruise

Tables Must Be Flipped: Accountability for African Adventist Leaders

Leaders need to listen, engage, and demonstrate fidelity to the things they teach. You cannot have a stewardship month with champions of stewardship violating its principles. At a time when the church in Africa needs resources to develop and better respond to its young population’s needs, the dysfunctional system persists because it benefits the leaders who uphold it.

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Calendar

March 30, 2024

[EVENT] Choir Zoom Sabbath School March 30: The Simple Power of Common Hymns

Growing up Adventist, we’re surrounded by so many hymns we often don’t pay much attention to what we’re singing. But as an adult, Tom has found these songs to be a continuing source of strength, comfort, and joy. In the class he’ll share some of the hymns that have been his companions over the years, and he looks forward to hearing about some of your favorites.

April 3, 2024

[EVENT] What Can the Evangelical Movement Teach Us about Religious Transformation?

On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Southern Adventist University presents Karen Swallow Prior for the Benjamin McArthur Endowed Lecture Series. Her topic, “What Can the Evangelical Movement Teach Us about Religious Transformation?” delves into the conversion experience that has been a cornerstone of Evangelicalism throughout its 300-year history.

July 1, 2024

[EVENT] Society of Adventist Philosophers Call for Papers – Proposals Due July 1

The Society of Adventist Philosophers invites you to submit a paper proposal for this year’s conference on the theme “Called to be Free: Philosophical Reflections on the Contours of Freedom” taking place on November 21st, 2024, in San Diego, CA. Students and teachers from all fields are welcome to submit a proposal until July 1st. Accepted papers will be notified by September 1st.