hen the members of the General Conference Executive Committee came together for their annual Spring Meeting on April 14-15 church leaders unveiled plans for an addition to the church's statement of fundamental beliefs.

GC president Jan Paulsen introduced the item noting that "when the current list of fundamental beliefs were voted nearly 25 years ago, we made it clear that this was not a fixed creedal statement." However, this expression of Adventist beliefs "best summarized what our faith statement was," he continued, "together with an understanding that this would be revisited from time to time."

"That is what is happening now," he observed, adding later that it was not intended to open the current 27 fundamentals for review, rather to concentrate on this proposed addition.

Reading from a document entitled "The Fundamental Beliefs and 'Growing in Christ:' Proposal for a New Fundamental Belief," Biblical Research Institute director Angel Rodriguez introduced the thinking behind the concept. He explained that for Adventists, "the formulation of a fundamental belief is not something that happens in a particular office under the leadership of individuals, but rather something that is the result of a consensus created by the Holy Spirit in the community of believers."

"What we are initiating cannot be pushed on the church, but must be a clear expression of where the church itself stands today," he added, also noting that "we do not own it, neither do you."

Michael Ryan, a GC vice president, took up the same document and identified "two main areas of concern for us among non-Christian religions, namely transcendental meditation and the power of demons." Adventists, he said, "offer contact with God through prayer, Bible study, service, and meditation on the Word of God and His providential leadings. These subjects," he added, "are hardly addressed in the [current] Statement of Fundamental Beliefs."

Adventist Review editor William Johnsson then reviewed the history of the church's statement of beliefs, affirming that "they establish our doctrinal identity and help to keep us united." He also explained that past and present actions in additional statements were not "a new departure in doctrine. Each simply articulated beliefs already held and practiced by Seventh-day Adventists."

In conclusion, Johnsson commented that the intent was "to add an article that will enable us to better fulfill the mission."

Rodriguez then read the "Possible Content of the Proposed New Fundamental Belief," and gave some additional explanatory reasoning. In a wide-ranging discussion that followed, many spoke positively to the proposal.

Added Richard Osborn, president of Pacific Union College, a Seventh-day Adventist school in Angwin, California, "A lot of young people are more interested in the spiritual side [of our beliefs], rather than in the theological impact. There is a lot of spirituality among our young people, but not a commitment to the denomination. This statement will give even greater credibility to the entire fundamental beliefs of the church."

GC Stewardship director Ben Maxson expressed his surprise that "we have come this far and not incorporated such essential Christian practices in our fundamental beliefs. He referred with regret to a Barna survey of 14 denominations that placed Adventists last in daily prayer life. He commented that he thought this proposal would help focus on practical Christianity rather than on doctrinal beliefs.

Lyn Behrens

Dolores Slikkers, a lay member from Michigan, observed that the concerns raised were not just from other parts of the world but also in North America. With its increasing diversity, "we're dealing with these issues here in this country. This statement will be very helpful," she concluded.

D. Ron Watts, Southern Asia Division president, stated he was in favor of the process being undertaken, for it showed "we're not stagnant in our beliefs; there are new ways of saying them." He also commended the working group for the wording, and their willingness to listen, concluding it was "a very strong and wise statement."

Loma Linda University and Medical Center president Lyn Behrens said she was "delighted [that] these words of what we know and experience in our daily lives are being added."

Jairyong Lee, North Asia-Pacific Division president, said he was "very happy" for the proposed belief statement, since "many in our Division frequently face these challenges." He did question the title, suggesting it might more properly be called "Victorious Living in Christ."

Leo Ranzolin, a retired GC vice president, said he "rejoiced in the new statement," commenting that "Adventists should be the happiest people in the world." He wondered if more could be added on joy, the believer's rejoicing in Christ.

After further discussion, former GC president Neal C. Wilson summed up with some history, observing that "what is happening today was anticipated in 1980," when in five days debate the current list of fundamentals was voted. He commented that "one of the big concerns then was the preamble that provided for change, while other arguments were over the word 'creed.'" He concluded that what was being addressed was "a far greater issue today, and rounds out the wonderful picture we have when a person becomes an Adventist."

Paulsen said suggestions on changes in the document would be received over the next few months and a revised document would be presented to the executive committee at their Annual Council in October. If favorably approved, the document would then be recommended for adoption at the 2005 General Conference Session. Only the General Conference in session has the power to adopt or modify the statement of fundamental beliefs.