Press Releases

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America Issues Joint Statement on Shooting in Buffalo, New York

May 18, 2022 | | North American Division, Atlantic Union Conference, Northeastern Conference, and New York Conference

Members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church family mourn all loss of life, but especially cry out against mass violence such as what took place this past weekend in Buffalo, New York.

Our hearts are shattered for those who lost family and friends and for those who will continue to suffer greatly as a result of this senseless act.

As a family of faith, we pray for healing for all who have been affected. But as much as our prayers go up and our hearts go out to those who have been devastated by this horrific event, we cannot stop there.

We denounce this mindless and premeditated act of hatred and violence. We call on all people of goodwill to use your voices and platforms to denounce hatred and racism in all of its forms. May we use this evil intention as a catalyst to propel us to action and demonstrate that love is stronger than hatred.

We call on our fellow communities of faith and the clergy to provide a comfortable, safe environment in which people can grieve and recover. We ask them to help facilitate the difficult conversations that can no longer be put off — conversations about why this is happening and how the violence and racism that are dividing our country can be addressed.

We believe that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18, NIV). May this be true for all those grieving and saddened at this time of loss.

G. Alexander Bryant, president, North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists

Pierre Omeler, president, Atlantic Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Abraham Jules, president, Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Miguel Crespo, president, New York Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Final Day of the North American Division Year-End Meeting Is a Tour De Force Through Ministry Reports and Resources

While the anchor report of the final day of the 2024 North American Division (NAD) Year-End Meeting was the treasurer’s report on the organization’s finances, the thematic focus was on NAD’s major evangelistic initiative for prayer and revival known as Pentecost 2025. On Nov. 4, 2024, NAD ministry departments and other church partners shared reports showing commitment to the initiative.

Preparing for Pentecost: Worships during the 2024 North American Division Year-End Meeting

Three morning worships with two new officers and one new university president at the final business meetings of North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

"Let It Rain" — Pentecost 2025 Highlighted During 2024 Final Business Session of Year-End Meeting

While the anchor report of the final day of the 2024 North American Division Year-End Meeting was the treasurer’s report on the organization’s finances, the thematic focus was on NAD’s major evangelistic initiative for prayer and revival known as Pentecost 2025. And while NAD ministry departments and other church partners shared reports showing commitment to the initiative, a special presentation on Pentecost 2025 from division leaders also gave attendees a bird’s eye view of plans and recent developments.

“One Plus One to the Power of the Holy Spirit = Amazing Things”

A series of meaningful worship moments — from a message of surrender to the Holy Spirit and an altar call to an impromptu congregational singing of “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” — set the stage for the treasurer’s report on the final day of the 2024 NAD Year-End Meeting. As she took the stage on Monday, November 4, NAD treasurer and chief financial officer Judy R. Glass continued the focus on God as our source of strength and provider. “It’s amazing to see what the Holy Spirit is already doing in this room,” she stated.

On Day Three of the North American Division Year-End Meeting, Ministries Share Reports, World Church Leadership Present Initiatives

The North American Division Year-End Meeting resumed for the second day of general business sessions (and third day of YEM) on a clear and crisp Sunday morning after attendees and guests took a day for Sabbath rest and worship. The November 3 morning session primarily focused on the report of NAD executive secretary Kyoshin Ahn, who shared statistics about the current state of church growth and the make-up of its membership.