BREAKING NEWS

Belarus Law Challenges Adventists

dventist leaders in Belarus say they remain optimistic despite the passage of a tough new national religion law. After several years of discussion and changes, the new religion law has been accepted by both the lower and upper chambers of parliament in Belarus, and is now ready to be signed by the president.

The bill states that all religions are equal before the law, although some groups are given special consideration. Proponents of the bill say it recognizes the determining role of the Orthodox Church in the historical founding and development of spiritual, cultural, and state traditions of Belarus. The bill also acknowledges the historical roots of Catholicism, Lutheranism, Judaism, and Islam.

Religions considered less "traditional" are given no special status. According to the new law, a local religious group would need to have 20 members, all citizens of Belarus, in order to be registered. Distribution of printed materials would be allowed only in church buildings or sometimes in other places with official permission.

Ivan Ostrovsky, Global Mission director for the Euro-Asia Division, and a native of Belarus, points out that all Adventist congregations in the country have their own church buildings. "Most have already been registered," he says. "Only our smallest groups of believers may have some problems [because of the new rule requiring 20 members]." Moisei Ostrovsky, president of the Adventist Church in Belarus, says he and his fellow administrators believe the church can still fulfill the "commission of God" in spite of the changed conditions.

According to Valery Ivanov, division communication director, the new restrictions relating to religious literature could pose the greatest challenge for the church. "Virtually all Belarussians speak Russian, so we usually print our magazines and books in Russia and send them to Belarus," says Ivanov. "Now, if the law is signed, apparently our official church magazine and other publications must be checked by authorities before distribution. It is not yet clear exactly how this law would be enforced.

"At the same time, I'm pleased that the new law says nothing about Internet communications, which can cross any international borders," he adds. It is not yet known if the new law will impact a number of recently established "home churches" in Belarus. These new companies are a part of the so-called 300 Program--a plan to established 300 new congregations in the Euro-Asia region before the end of 2003. Valery explains that some of these groups may not have the required 20 members yet. "Much will depend on good relationships with local authorities," he says.                               --Adventist News Network

GC Presidents Speaks Out About
Possible War With Iraq
General Conference president, Jan Paulsen has urged restraint in relation to possible military action against Iraq. "War at any time is a terrible solution," said Dr. Paulsen, "because those who suffer most are those least able to defend themselves." Noting a perceived growing acceptance of militarism among Adventists, Dr. Paulsen stressed the church's traditional stance of non-combatancy. "I take a position of non-combatancy," he commented, "and maybe we as a church need to look at this again."

Dr. Paulsen made these comments at a press conference held on the final day of the Annual Council meetings, which took place at the church's world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. The comments were made in response to a similar statement endorsed by more than 60 church leaders from the United States and the United Kingdom. For Paulsen, concerns about militarism and threats of war are a part of his emphasis on the church's responsibility to the church and the world. "As a church we have to remember that this [world] is where we are," he said. "This is where we live our lives and live our obedience to God and that has an impact on how we live our lives." "God has an enormous concern for what is happening in society in general because it is filled with people God loves. I have got to be obedient to that."

Adventist Among Those Killed by "Washington Sniper"
Premkumar Walekar, 54, a cabdriver and member of Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, Takoma Park, Maryland, was killed on October 3, in Aspen Hill, a Maryland suburb, as he pumped gas into his cab. Walekar was the third victim of random shootings in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia that began October 2 and have continued over the past two weeks. As of press time, there had been 11 shootings resulting in the deaths of nine individuals.

Friends and family expressed both sadness and remembrance at services held October 6 at the Sligo church. "There's one bad man, but there's so many good people who are showing their blessings and prayer," said Saroj Issac, Walekar's sister-in-law.

Also in attendance was Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan. "We have to use our faith to sustain us," Duncan said. "We have to rely on our loved ones. Because if we let the fear, the anxiety overcome us, then we lose our generosity, we lose our caring, we lose our compassion, we lose our kindness, we lose our goodness. Then what will become of us? Evil will have ruled the day."

Premkumar Walekar was born in Pune, India, and immigrated to the United States as a young man. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, and two children, Andrea and Andrew.

Adventist Sculptor Helps Launch London's
Black History Month
On October 1, sculptor Donald Brown, a member of the Wolverhampton, England Seventh-day Adventist church, unveiled four pieces of his work at the launch of Black History Month, hosted by London Mayor Ken Livingstone. Black History Month is a key educational and cultural program that helps to raise the profile of ethnic minorities in London's cultural and economic development.

The centerpiece of Donald Brown's exhibition was a bonded bronze sculpture called "The Millennium Monument." It features a man striding across the world, lifting up the entire continent of Africa along with America, Japan, and Great Britain. These countries represent the four corners of the earth and symbolize peace rising above war and terror, rebuilding where destruction has occurred, healing where suffering has brought pain, and renewed belief when hope has gone.

Donald Brown grew up in Wolverhampton, England, and attracted national television and media attention for his sculptures at the age of 14. In the spring of 2003 the largest African-American owned art gallery in the United States will open in New Orleans and is named "The Donald Brown International Art Gallery" in honor of his works, concepts, and philosophies.

Brown cites his upbringing in a Seventh-day Adventist environment as one of the influences shaping his approach to sculpture. "I try to create works of art that elevate, empower, educate, and motivate people," he said. "My religious background certainly has an influence in my work."

To see Brown's sculpture, "The Millennium Monument," as well as other works, and to discover more information on Brown's work visit www.millenniumsculptures.com/frameset.htm.

News Notes

Denton Lotz was re-elected as president of the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) for a two-year term at a recent IRLA board meeting. Dr. Lotz, secretary general for the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) since 1988, represents the BWA to world governments and other international bodies in defending human rights.

"It has been a pleasure working with Dr. Lotz this past year, and we are happy to be working with him again," says John Graz, IRLA secretary general and director of public affairs and religious liberty for the world Seventh-day Adventist Church. "We are honored to have someone like Dr. Lotz whose passion for religious freedom is demonstrated in his daily commitment to defend human rights for people everywhere."

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