n this segment General Conference president Jan Paulsen talks with William Johnsson about relations with other churches. Look for Elder Paulsen�s perspective on the quality of life he would like to see among Adventists in next month�s Cutting Edge Edition (August 15).

WGJ: Pastor Paulsen, why do we enter into conversations with representatives of other churches?
JP: For many years we have said, and published in our policy statement, that other churches that lift up the name of Christ and use the Word of God are instruments in God�s hand to acquaint people with salvation. So we need to behave in a manner that shows courtesy and respect for their sincerity. I think it is also very important that we be understood aright by them. Therefore we have got to be willing to meet. For us to stay in isolation and keep incommunicado is a disservice to ourselves and exposes us to all kinds of caricatures. But I think there is a direct line of relationship between how we relate to other churches and how we see ourselves.

Explain.
As a church we strongly believe that we are here because of God. We are a product of His making. There is a present truth that God wants us to proclaim. And once we are clear about that and strong in terms of our own identity as a movement with a distinct mission and a clear message, then we are open to meet with others. We don�t disappear into the woodwork or blend like either into the atmosphere.

Are these contacts increasing?
Yes. There was a time we were young and few in number, and others could afford to ignore us. We are now spread in more than 90 percent of the countries of this world and are one of the most rapidly growing Christian churches. Others, including the Roman Catholic Church, are seriously taking note of who we are and are asking, �What is it that makes you such a growing community?� Therefore, since they are saying, �Come talk to us. We would like to know a little more about you,� we must be willing to talk with them and share with them our vision and mission.

What should be our attitude as we enter into these conversations?
I believe that before we and as we enter into any kind of conversation with other Christians there should be no illusions or unrealistic anticipations. We have stated all along that we will not be part of the ecumenical community. We will not take up membership in it, either at the world level or in national churches. We can best be faithful to who we are and the mission given to us if we keep our separateness.

In what sort of activities can we partner with other bodies?
In certain initiatives that are broadly speaking for the good of humanity�like the work of the Bible societies, and issues such as religious liberty and human rights.

Should we be careful how we portray other Christians and their teachings? What about negative billboards and newspaper ads, etc.?
With our understanding of apocalyptic prophecy we will continue to say things about religious affiliations, the blending of politics and religious powers, and organizations that represent a particular religious direction. But we need to remember that Mrs. White gave specific counsel about not going out of our way to create hostility with other churches, not caricaturing them or seeking occasions to say negative things about them. Years ago in South and Central America, where the Roman Catholic Church is so strong, our people discovered that the best way they can reach the hearts of men and women is to give a positive presentation of our message. Let people respond as something good to come to rather than something evil to leave.

A final comment?
I would like to pay a tribute to the men and women of our church who have been engaged in these conversations. They are our finest scholars, and their credentials and loyalty to the church are absolutely above question.