wfn.org | Adventists Condemn London Acts of Terror, Pray for Victims

[Christian B. Schäffler (APD Schweiz)]

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July 8, 2005
Adventist Press Service (APD)
Christian B. Schaeffler, Editor-in-chief APD
Fax +41-61-261 61 18
APD@stanet.ch
http://www.stanet.ch/APD
CH-4003 Basel, Schweiz

Adventists Condemn London Acts of Terror, Pray for Victims

St. Louis, Missouri/USA (ANN/APD)   Delegates to the 58th General 
Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church expressed 
their "shock and horror at the mindless acts of terror, brutality and 
extremism seen in London today," according to a statement read to 
delegates by Pastor Ted N.C. Wilson, a general vice president of 
the world church.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and bereaved," 
Wilson read at the opening of the Thursday, July 7 business session.

"We are living in an increasingly unstable and dangerous world," 
the church's statement added. "We recognize that there are those 
who mistakenly see violence as the way to promote their cause 
claiming that their cause is absolute and taking lives is fully justified."

In contrast, the statement expresses that "Seventh-day Adventists 
are people of peace and compassion. Our Lord is the Lord of peace. 
 As a people we unequivocally condemn violence as a solution."

The Adventist statement also referred to the reaction of the church 
in England. It said, "Churches in South England are currently open 
for special prayer and the Advent Centre, close to one of the 
explosions in central London, is remaining open to care for the 
needs of those in the area. The church is in contact with hospital 
chaplains in the area, providing support as needed.

"Sadly we live in a world where these atrocities continue to happen. 
It is a sign of the times in which we live. But even within the context 
of sorrow we thank God for the hope that He gives to all who believe. 
We look forward to a time when sin, death and suffering are no more, 
when Jesus returns."

Praying for the victims and their families, Adventist pastor Cecil 
Perry, president of the church in Britain, said, "We pray today for the 
people who are suffering violence around the world, and today 
especially in London. We pray that you will remember those families 
that are now suffering and the near 200 people that have been injured, 
and the over 40 who to date have died. We pray that you will 
encourage the hearts of our members, especially there, that they will 
recount again the assurances you have given that one day peace will
cover the earth as the waters cover the sea."

Pastor Don McFarlane, president of the South England church 
area, attending the session, offered his thoughts on the tragedy.

"Although I am here in St. Louis my heart is back in England 
with those who have been affected by this sad tragedy, especially 
those who have lost loved ones," McFarlane said.

He added, "I have written to our pastors and church elders to invite 
the Adventist community to unite in praying for those who have 
been affected by the bombings and to offer whatever help they can. 
Perhaps the most important help that can be provided is to offer a 
sense of hope in this time of seeming hopelessness."

There are nearly 25,000 Seventh-day Adventists in Britain, of which 
approximately 13,000 live in the Greater London Area, where there 
are 60 congregations. [Editor: Mark A. Kellner for ANN/APD]

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