Press Releases

North American Division Responds to Statement from Greater New York Conference Regarding Harmful Comments Made by Pastor

November 22, 2021 | Columbia, Md. | North American Division

Statement of the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church:

We wholeheartedly condemn any form of behavior or rhetoric that perpetrates any type of violence against women — or any person. This is not what the Seventh-day Adventist Church believes. We stand in support of the statement issued by the Greater New York Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and we pray for those who have been hurt by the harmful and unfortunate comments that were made.

Statement of the Greater New York Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church:

The Greater New York Conference of Seventh-day Adventists apologizes for Pastor Burnett Robinson’s recent comments concerning rape and sexual violence against women. His remarks have caused great harm and reopened the wounds suffered by so many. We pray for their healing. Adventists believe in the dignity of all people, and no one should be the object of violence of any kind for any reason.

Pastor Robinson deeply regrets the statement and knows it caused injury and has given an unqualified apology. The administration of the Greater New York Conference has met with him and has placed him on administrative leave, effective immediately. We are committed to continuing to pursue redress as we seek to express the spirit of Christ.

UPDATE (POSTED BELOW, DEC. 31, 2021):

CLICK HERE to read the Atlantic Union Conference's response on their website, originally posted in late November 2021: "The Atlantic Union Conference Responds to Greater New York Conference Statement Regarding Harmful Comments Made by Former Pastor"

CLICK HERE for an update from the Greater New York Conference announcing the resignation of Pastor Burnett Robinson.

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