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.

North American Division President Responds to Shooting at Adventist Elementary School in California

This is the response by the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church President to the December 4, 2024, shooting incident at the Feather River Seventh-day Adventist School and statement of the Northern California Conference.

Northern California Conference Issues Statement After Butte County Press Conference Addressing Adventist School Shooting

The facts surrounding the Feather River Seventh-day Adventist School shooting have become more clear after today’s late afternoon press conference with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

Evangelism in Focus: Highlights from 2024 NAD Year-End Meeting Breakout

At the 2024 NAD Year-End Meeting, evangelism was a recurring theme, evidenced in reports on how NAD departments and territories are leveraging their resources to spread the gospel. Evangelism took the spotlight on day three of the business meetings, Sunday, Nov. 3, with attendees tackling questions clarifying mission in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Southern Adventist University Celebrates Record Undergraduate Enrollment

Southern Adventist University has experienced record growth in recent years, fostering new opportunities for students and expanding their experiences and avenues for success. The largest freshman class in the university’s history enrolled in 2023, and, this year, Southern is hosting its largest undergraduate student body ever, totaling 2,929 students.

AdventHealth Gifts Painting of Charles E. Bradford, Former NAD President, at Year-End Meeting

On Sunday, November 3, 2024, AdventHealth leaders presented a portrait of Charles Bradford at the North American Division Year-End Meeting in Columbia, Maryland. The painting — Preaching the Word — was commissioned by AdventHealth in 2000. It was designed to honor Bradford’s leadership while serving on the AdventHealth board and to celebrate his treasured friendships with former CEO Mardian Blair and others.