Twelve of the Adventist Church's expatriate staff based in Honiara, Solomon Islands, were evacuated on June 8 on the Australian naval vessel HMAS Tobruk amid fighting by rival milita groups on the island. The group comprised seven women, four children, and one man, all from the Western Pacific Union Mission and Betikama High School, near where gun-fighting broke out on June 7. The husbands and other male expatriates have decided to remain, although South Pacific Division president Pastor Laurie Evans has urged them to leave as soon as possible.

Lawrence Tanabose, Western Pacific Union Mission secretary (WPUM) had been asked by the Australian High Commission and the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Mr Batholomew Ulufa'alu, to act as a mediator between the two warring factions. Pastor Tanabose crossed the front lines of the rival militia groups and secured an agreement from the Isatabu Freedom Movement to a cease fire and also talked with representatives of the Malaita Eagle Force(MEF). It is believed that an agreement has been reached. A visit by the Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer and other Commonwealth leaders was scheduled for June 10-11.

Throughout the crisis, triggered by the armed seizure of the Prime Minister and key facilities around Honiara by the MEF, WPUM president Neil Watts has been in contact with church head offices in Sydney. Watts told the Sydney Morning Herald that while the church did not approve of the "forcing of a democratically-elected government from office," the Solomon Islands government had been "tardy and ineffective" at resolving the tension between the people of Guadalcanal and the immigrants from Malaita. The church released a statement to the media in the Solomon Islands that called for a cessation of conflict and respect for the government, and affirmed its neutrality in the crisis. The public statement concerning ethnic tensions reads:

"As an organization, the Seventh-day Adventist Church wishes to state clearly that it remains neutral in the current tensions and wishes to see peace restored.

"We call upon all parties to cease fighting, respect democratic processes and allow the peace process to go ahead.

"We believe that the use of force to extend one's views is unacceptable. When Solomon Islands people turn their guns upon each other with the view of annihilation instead of resorting to discussion and conflict resolution, it is a national disgrace.

"We strongly oppose the use of armed force for political or any other purpose and condemn the current fighting taking place near Honiara.

"We therefore appeal to Solomon Islanders to lay down their guns and come to discussion and conflict resolution strategies immediately. Ethnic tensions are disruptive to society whenever they occur and lead to distrust and the destruction of truth and integrity as well as to senseless killing and maiming of a nation's young men.

"We would call on all people of the Solomon Islands to be united in the spirit of Christ who told us to love even our enemies and pray for those who do wrong to us. In an increasingly divided world, a unified Church will exhibit a spirit of love,
tolerance, understanding and forgiveness, which is the only lasting answer for a society torn apart by tension and self interest.

"The Adventist Church urges all its members not to be involved in either side of the conflict. We remind them that following the teachings and example of Christ means that we do not take up weapons and become involved in armed conflict. We call on all local Adventist churches to consider applying church disciplinary action if any members become involved in such activities.

"We are praying that all those involved in negotiations be given special wisdom and guidance to find fair and acceptable solutions to the current problems and to restore peace quickly to our nation.

"As a result of the crisis, employment of nationals in the capital of Honiara has been disrupted, and incomes and livelihood are threatened. Schools have all been closed and attendance at church services is down. Consequently the income of tithes and offerings are affected and the ongoing activities of the church will be disrupted.

"We ask our members throughout the Division and the world to uphold the safety of our church members in the Solomon Islands and pray that a peaceful resolution will be found quickly."

Adventist membership in the three Solomon Island missions totals 29,477 with 165 churches, 74 schools, and one hospital.
-Adventist News Network

A concert featuring some of the most well-known musical artists in the Adventist Church is set for September 30, 7:30 p.m., at the Riverdale Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Shaping up as the biggest event ever staged by the Adventist Review, the program will bring together on one stage the top-rated Oakwood College Aeolians, the Wedgwood Trio, the Heralds Quartet, and violinist Jaime Jorge.

The main purpose of the concert, says editor William G. Johnsson, "is to raise awareness of the Adventist Review." "There are thousands of Adventists" in the Washington, D.C., area, he said, many of whom are basically unaware of the magazine's existence. "Many would think that it comes out just once a month, and [that] they're getting it because they receive the North American edition. They're not aware that there's a weekly possibility for them. So I hope we'll build awareness and also give people an inspiration in their walk with the Lord." The program had originally been conceived as a free event. But as the difficulty and cost of securing a suitable venue became clear, the staff felt it necessary to assess a nominal fee to help defray expenses.

Tickets will go on sale in August, priced at $5.00 for adults, free admission for children 10 and under. "Seating is limited," says associate editor and program coordinator Roy Adams, "and groups needing blocks of seats should make their plans early." For tickets or other inquiries, please contact Ruth Wright at (301) 680-6563, or e-mail 112223,2752@compuserve.com.

Watch for more announcements in our first issue in August, as well as in the Columbia Union Visitor. It's an event to clear your calendar for.