recent attack on an Adventist church building
in Pirscov, Romania, is “disturbing for religious freedom," says Viorel
Dima, director of the Romanian Union Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department.
The damage, caused by unknown culprits, was
discovered May 25 when church members arrived for a religious service. The attackers
had smashed their way into the church through a window and proceeded to destroy
much of the interior of the church.
All the front windows were shattered, together
with internal glass doors and the glass on the baptistry. The organ was overturned
and broken, cupboard, couches and chairs destroyed, and light fittings damaged.
Staircase railings were torn down and the pulpit thrown to the ground. A sack
of cement was torn open and its contents scattered all over the church. Blood
stains found on some walls are assumed to be those of the vandals.
According to a May 28 report in the Evenimentul
Zilei, a local newspaper, the deputy chief of the Buzau Police District
Inspectorate has characterized the incident as a "revenge attack"
incited by local religious tensions.
Dima is careful not to prejudge the event, but
maintains that it is a sign that there is still work to be done in developing
inter‑religious harmony and religious freedom.
"Until the inquiries are completed and
the culprits found, it is difficult to express an opinion regarding the causes
of this incident,” he says. "But we view it as a signal which warns us
that we must work with more determination to improve the religious climate in
this part of the country."
"In Romania, inter‑denominational
relations are good and we generally enjoy a positive climate of understanding
and respect for the religious rights and liberties," Dima adds. "The
Adventist Church in our country has a good image and has developed good relations
with the authorities and with the representatives of other churches. In Buzau
District, we have experienced from time to time some manifestations of religious
intolerance, but never on such a level as this."
In a separate case, the Adventist church in
Bucuresti has also experienced hostility. Windows have been broken and dead
animals and garbage thrown onto the church property. A local priest has reportedly
spoken in favor of the destruction of the Adventist church building.
"We find these actions very disturbing
for religious liberty," Dima concludes. "However we remain confident
that the government authorities will act to confirm their commitment to freedom
of conscience and human rights, and that those who act outside the law
will be brought to account." –Adventist News Network
Adventist Church in Egypt Celebrates 100 Years
On June 1, the centennial celebrations
of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Egypt began in the newly-renovated office
building in Heliopolis. Dr. Hanna Malaka, Education director, spoke about the
history of the church and the dedication of its pioneers.
The next morning the Heliopolis
Church was filled beyond capacity as Pastor Sven H. Jensen, Middle East Union
president, reminded the congregation of their spiritual roots and call to mission.
The first Seventh-day Adventist
Church in Egypt was organized in 1901 by L.R. Conradi. Today the Egypt field
has a membership of 704 distributed among 23 churches. Nile Union Academy and
Zeitoun Elementary and Intermediate School provide Adventist education. Adventist
Health Education Foundation runs a successful health food factory. --Adventist
News Review
News Notes
Seven hundred
men arrived at Camp Kulaqua for the sixth annual Florida Conference men’s convention.
The popular convention featured seminars, music, and powerful messages.
“Men come here each year with a
commitment to deepen their relationship with Christ and a desire to return home
as better husbands, fathers, and godly men," said Dick O’Ffill, Florida
Conference men’s ministries director.
Jose V. Rojas (far left), who served
as Youth Ministries director for the North American Division (NAD)since 1993,
has been named director of the NAD Volunteer Network, following the decision
to restructure Adventist Volunteer Ministries Network. In the newly created
position, Rojas oversees and directs the work of the Network in Bermuda, Canada,
and the United States.
James L. Black, (above, right) a 10-year
veteran in youth ministry, was named NAD youth director, replacing Rojas. Black
previously served as director of Pathfinder and camp ministries for the
division.
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