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Christian Schools Under Fire in UK

tate-funded religious schools in the United Kingdom have come under fire in recent weeks for teaching creationism in the classroom, with some public leaders denouncing the schools for promoting "anti-evolutionary" theories.

Keith Davidson, British Union Conference education director, was interviewed on BBC in connection with the debate. Although not at the center of the dispute, the Adventist-run John Loughborough School in Tottenham, London, has come under media scrutiny as a school that teaches creationism. Last week prime minister Tony Blair weighed in, saying "a diverse system delivers better results," but his words have not dampened the ongoing debate.

During the interview, Davidson appeared with parliament member Jenny Tonge, who expressed the view that although creationism was perfectly acceptable when taught as part of the religious curriculum, it should not be taught as science. "As a Christian I have no problem in accepting the idea of God as creator," she said, "but there is much more scientific evidence for evolution." In reply Davidson emphasized that the John Loughborough school offers the full national curriculum, but said the ethos of the school was such that God was portrayed as the creator of all life. "The issue here is not just evolution," he said. "It is more about toleration and respect for other people's opinions."

Under current curriculum policies in Britain, schools must teach evolution but are allowed to also teach young-earth creationism. In a March 19 newspaper interview, Nigel de Gruchy, leader of a teachers' union, predicted that this type of controversy would become increasingly common if the government continued promoting faith-based schools.
                                                          --Adventist News Network

Andrews University Breaks Ground
for Performing Arts Center
Andrews University officials broke ground for the new Howard Performing Arts Center, Monday, March 4. The building is made possible by a generous gift from John and Dede Howard of St. Joseph, Michigan.

After the ceremonial shovels chipped away at the frozen ground, the crowd moved into nearby Chan Shun Hall for short speeches and performances by student musicians. Architect David Lawrence said the building will measure approximately 44,000 square feet and will seat up to 800 people. Construction was tentatively scheduled to begin mid-April and completed by the fall of 2003.

Gerry Karst, General Conference vice president and chair of the Andrews University Board of Trustees, remarked, "The Board is very pleased with this gift and is convinced that it will contribute to the cultural value of the university and the development of a broader appreciation for the fine arts."

CaféSEED Reaching the Unchurched
in Downtown Helsinki
The ministry of CaféSEED has certainly proved a great evangelistic blessing in reaching the unchurched in downtown Helsinki, Finland, according to pastor and church planter Atte Helminen.

"Our Café church service during a recent Sabbath afternoon in March was packed--there were not enough chairs to go around for the more than 80 people present," reports Helminen. "The spirit of the meeting was amazing, and everyone appreciated the meal. We then had a café evening with a live Christian band. The music was good, and those present were blessed."

Helminen and those who work with him pray that CaféSEED continues to thrive and open further opportunities to share the gospel.

Seminary Professor Serves as Missionary to New York
Dr. Donald James, a seminary professor from Andrews University, and his wife Ruth, have elected to serve as short-term missionaries in New York City.

From the windows of their tenth-floor Manhattan Park apartment they can see three other high-rise apartment buildings. Daily they stand before these windows, pray for God's blessing and protection on each resident, and ask to be led in ways that allow them to witness.

Their first goal—to meet everyone in their 22-floor building—is being achieved. Recently 20 neighbors came to the James' apartment for a get-acquainted party. Don has started giving Bible studies to a group that includes someone living in an adjacent building. This gives further opportunity to meet other residents.

"God continues to bless our feeble efforts in this mission field," says Don. "We covet the prayers of others and are looking for prayer warriors who would like to pray daily or weekly for our ministry." Those who would like to support this unique New York City ministry may contact the James' at donjames777@cs.com.

Student--Now U.S. Congressman--
Visits Adventist School
United States Congressman Rick Keller ( R ), 8th District for Orange and portions of Osceola counties in Florida, visited his old elementary school to meet the fourth grade class and, with them, recited the Pledge of Allegiance on a local Florida radio station. Two television stations also covered the event.

Keller attended grades 4-7 at Orlando Junior Academy (OJA) located in Orlando, Florida. Keller felt the biggest benefit of attending OJA was "the small classes, close friendships . . . friendships that have lasted a lifetime."

After hearing the Pledge performed on the radio by other local schools, OJA Development Director Janice Banks felt that inviting Congressman Keller to lead the Pledge was an added bonus. "We wanted to give a positive message to the public about Adventists and Adventist education," she said.

It Is Written Television Receives Five National Awards
It Is Written has been awarded three silver Angel Award statuettes from the Excellence in Media organization, and two bronze statuettes from the Telly Awards. "Since 1956, It is Written has been recognized by our peers as a pace-setter in religious television," says Mark Finley, speaker/director of It Is Written. "We thank God for this distinction of excellence, because, whenever we win these types of awards, more people are exposed to Adventist programming as a result. As always, all the glory goes to Him!"

One of the Silver Angel awards was given for "Attack on America: From Tragedy to Triumph," a pamphlet developed after the September 11 attacks. Within days of the tragedy, 1.5 million of these free pamphlets were given out around the world by Adventist church members who shared them with friends and family. Thousands requested Bible studies as a result.

Takoma Park Pathfinder Earns Top Honor
Many boys mark their sixteenth birthday by getting their driver's license. But to celebrate his sixteenth birthday in March, Doug Hess of Takoma Park, Maryland chose to be invested as a Master Guide in Pathfinders.

Officiating at his investiture during a General Conference worship were Robert Holbrook, world Pathfinder director, and Denton Grady, Potomac Conference youth director. Doug is now the fourth generation in the Hess family to become a Master Guide and the third generation invested on or near their sixteenth birthday. His great-grandfather was invested 70 years ago, and both his father and grandmother were invested as Master Guides on their sixteenth birthdays.

Becoming a Master Guide is a major accomplishment that many do not achieve until adulthood. To complete Master Guide requirements, Doug had to read a number of adult-level books including several by Ellen White, develop leadership skills, supervise Pathfinder or Adventurer activities, and earn several Pathfinder honors.

News Notes

Florida Conference membership passed 50,000 in the year 2001. "We are grateful for milestones," said Lewis Hendershot, Florida Conference president, "yet, it is of utmost importance to remember these numbers were reached one person at a time. Each individual needs our friendship and love. We need to surround them, disciple them, use their talents, and meet their need for a sense of belonging."

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