Press Releases

Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America Statement on the U.S. Congress Respect for Marriage Act

November 20, 2022 | Columbia, Md. | North American Division

On November 16, the U.S. Senate voted to advance the Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404), legislation that addresses federal and state recognition of same-sex marriages and is expected to pass following the Thanksgiving congressional recess. The Respect for Marriage Act repeals and replaces previous federal provisions that defined marriage as between a man and a woman with provisions that recognize marriages valid under state law. The legislation additionally requires states to recognize marriages from other states, including same-sex and interracial marriages.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church respects the right of others to believe differently, however, its view on marriage is not based upon a secular rationale and it will continue to teach and promote its understanding of marriage, sexuality, and family. The Adventist Church has not endorsed or advocated for the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act. However, due to concerns expressed by the Adventist Church and other religious freedom advocates, the amended legislation now contains provisions that address the core religious freedom concerns raised by the bill. These include Congress acknowledging that “both traditional marriage supporters and their beliefs are decent and honorable,” protecting churches from being forced to facilitate same-sex marriages, and preventing retaliation against religious organizations for their views on marriage.

The Adventist Church greatly appreciates the congressional offices that responded to its concerns by including these religious liberty provisions. It continues to support legislative initiatives such as the Fairness for All Act (H.R. 1440), a balanced piece of legislation that provides LGBT nondiscrimination protections in areas such as secular employment, housing, and public accommodations while preserving religious freedom safeguards for people of faith and the institutions they maintain.

The North American Division held an informational webinar about the Respect for Marriage Act on Monday, November 21, 4:00 p.m. ET. Click here to view NAD’s informational webinar on the legislation.

AdventHealth Gifts Painting of Charles E. Bradford, First 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.

WWU Research on Octopuses Featured in Prominent Science Publications

Research on the high energetic cost of color change in octopuses, conducted by Kirt Onthank, biology professor at Walla Walla University, and WWU graduate Sofie Sonner, has been published in one of the world’s most prestigious and cited scientific journals, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Onthank’s and Sonner’s findings have sparked interest in the scientific community, and within hours of the initial PNAS publication, Popular Science and ScienceAlert also published stories about the research.

Elizabeth Talbot Named Woman of the Year by Association of Adventist Women

The Association of Adventist Women has named Elizabeth Talbot, Ph.D., the 2024 Woman of the Year for spiritual leadership and media ministry. Talbot was presented this honorary award at the Association of Adventist Women banquet on October 12, 2024. Talbot was recognized for her commitment to sharing Jesus through her preaching, writing, and visual ministry.

The Power of a Simple Tract: Transforming Lives with Messages of Hope and Wholeness

Have you ever hit rock bottom and found hope from an unexpected source? For a 16-year-old girl from California, that hope came in the form of a pocket-sized Signs of the Times given to her by a stranger on an Amtrak train. Hers is one of countless stories of a tract sparking transformation. Take advantage of the holidays, and a limited sale, to spread the love of God organically with these life-changing materials.

50 Ministerial Spouses Unite for Community Service, Fellowship, and Training During the 2024 NAD Year-End Meeting

Community service, fellowship, and training sessions made up the spouses’ meetings during this year’s NAD Year-End Meetings, with roughly 50 spouses of conference leaders in attendance.