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The Regional Conferences’ Statement on Justice, Unity, and Gospel Integrity

The Regional Conferences’ Statement on Justice, Unity, and Gospel Integrity

The Regional Conferences of the Seventh-day Adventist Church affirm their full support with the official
position of the global Seventh-day Adventist Church on unity. On September 15, 2020, the General
Conference Administrative Committee voted the One Humanity statement which underscored the fact
that all “human beings were created equal in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).” This statement further
renounced any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, caste, tribe, or nationality.1

In alignment with this statement, and most importantly, in harmony with the life and ministry of Jesus
Christ, we stand united in our commitment to justice, unity, and Christ’s gospel.

Scripture makes it clear that true discipleship is inseparable from justice and compassion:

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love
mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8, NKJV).

This is neither a polite suggestion, nor an optional guideline. It is a divine command to every follower of
Christ. Justice, mercy, and humility are not fringe virtues, but they are the very hallmarks of authentic
discipleship. As followers of Christ, our faith is measured by living out God’s requirements, including the
rejection of systems and behaviors that oppress, divide, or elevate one group above another as “there is
neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28,
NKJV).

In light of recent events and ongoing public discourse, we express our deep concern over the endorsement
of public figures and platforms that promote Christian nationalism, racial superiority, xenophobia, and
sexism. While freedom of speech is a protected right, such rhetoric must never be confused with gospel
truth. When Seventh-day Adventist media outlets or leaders support messages that marginalize or
dehumanize others, it undermines our collective witness and contradicts the Church’s stated values.
Additionally, such alliances confuse believers, embolden oppressors, and weaken the prophetic voice of
the body of Christ. Our goal is to ensure alignment with the gospel of Jesus Christ, a gospel that reconciles,
restores, and uplifts.

We invite open and respectful discourse among Church members and leaders. Conversations rooted in
Scripture and prayer strengthen our unity and deepen our witness.

Carlton P. Byrd, Chairperson
Regional Presidents’ Council &
Southwest Region Conference President

Michael Owusu, Vice Chairperson
Regional Presidents’ Council &
Southeastern Conference President

Trevor Kinlock, President
Allegheny East Conference

Marvin Brown, President
Allegheny West Conference

Cryston Josiah, President
Central States Conference

Garth Gabriel, President
Lake Region Conference

Eldeen King, President
Northeastern Conference

Calvin Preston, President
South Atlantic Conference

Benjamin Jones, President
South Central Conference

Kenneth Manders, President
Bermuda Conference

Eugene Lewis, Vice President
Regional Conference Ministries – North Pacific Union Conference

Gina S. Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer
Oakwood University

Virgil Childs, Vice President
Regional Conference Ministries – Pacific Union Conference

Dana C. Edmond, Executive Director
Office for Regional Conference Ministries

William Cox, Executive Director
Regional Conference Retirement Plan

1Seventh-day Adventist General Conference, One Humanity: A Human Relations Statement Addressing Racism,
Casteism, Tribalism, and Ethnocentrism, September 15, 2020.

My Health, My Wealth

For the first time in its 35 years and 6 months as an organized church, Mahanaim Community SDA of Naples, Florida—together with Mitspa Haitian SDA, its daughter church—delivered what could be called its most powerful practical sermon yet. On Saturday, May 31st, 2025, under the theme “My Health, my Wealth”, a great health fair was organized on the church premises.

Following a brief worship service, with Dr. Michael Owusu, President of the Southeastern Conference, as guest speaker, the remainder of that wonderful and blessed Sabbath was devoted entirely to the ministry of healing. Doctors, nurses, health care agencies, and many other entities responded to the call offering free services to the community.

The program started at 11:00 a.m., yet some patients were already on campus since 8:00 a.m. with many joining the worship service beforehand. While the health fair was primarily sponsored by the Health and Community Service ministries, other church ministries such as the Children’s Ministry and Prayer Ministry, just to name a few, were also actively involved.

Hundreds of people received medical care from doctors, while others participated in health-related workshops. The children were cared for and entertained by a group of volunteers, with some also receiving dental screenings. Elder Jean Sorel from First Class reported that “over 50 individuals signed up for health insurance, and most of them qualified for a free health plan.”

From the very start of his ministry in the district, Pastor Shelot Pierre has made a top priority to reach the community. He firmly believes that the best way to do so is by first addressing its basic needs, just as Jesus did. This is practical evangelism. The vision for hosting a health fair was his initiative. He mobilized both churches and their ministries in this endeavor; he even went outside the church to recruit volunteer health professionals. Under his leadership, everyone rolled up his or her sleeves to make it happen.

By the grace of God, with the dynamism of Elder Darrel Myrthil, Secretary of Community Service, as Chairman, the dedication of Sr. Jeanna Damessous, Church Clerk, the professionalism of Dr. Joanne Honoré, and the tireless commitment of the organizing commission team that worked on this audacious project, Health Fair 2025 was a blast!

Building on this great success, The Premier Mobile acknowledged the evident and pressing needs of the community and formed a partnership with Mahanaim Community SDA Church. Since July 2025, a free health clinic has been hosted once a month on the Mahanaim campus, providing ongoing medical care and preventative services to the community. This collaboration not only carries forward the momentum of Health Fair 2025 but also reinforces Mahanaim’s mission of practical evangelism through health and healing.

Verne Jacques

Secretary of Communication

Mahanaim SDA Church, Naples Fl

Beracah II Back to School

Beracah II French Seventh-day Adventist Church Serves About One Hundred students from different Families during Back-to-School Event

BERACAH II , FL – August 9, 2025 – The Beracah II French Seventh-day Adventist Church, part of the Southeastern Conference, successfully hosted its annual Back to School community outreach, providing essential support to families as they prepared for the 2025–2026 school year.

The day began with an uplifting worship service filled with praise, heartfelt prayers for the children by the Associate Pastor Budry Sainvil as they head back to school, and a Bible-based message focused on hope and preparation for the future by the Senior Pastor, Dr. Donald Paul. In the afternoon, a special highlight of the day was a round table presentation for parents, hosted by pedagogical advisors. This interactive session provided valuable guidance on how to support children’s academic success. After that, the church grounds transformed into a vibrant community space where children received backpacks filled with essential school supplies, along with refreshments to share with their families.

This year’s event, held on Sabbath, August 9, 2025, brought together church members, community volunteers, and generous sponsors to serve about one hundred families. Each child received a new backpack filled with school supplies, ensuring they had the necessary tools to start the school year with confidence. In addition, families enjoyed refreshments and food, fostering a joyful and supportive atmosphere.

Among the valued sponsors was the Health and Disability Ministries of the Southeastern Conference, whose contribution, alongside other partners, helped make the event a success. Their generosity, combined with that of local donors and community friends, allowed Beracah 2 to provide tangible assistance and encouragement to those in need.

Elder Esaïe Alexandre, Education Department Director at the Church expressed it best: “What we do today goes beyond simply handing out supplies. We are planting seeds of hope, showing our children that they are loved and supported—not only by their families and church but by an entire community standing behind them.”

The church extends heartfelt thanks to the Health and Disability Ministries of the Southeastern Conference, other sponsors, donors, and volunteers whose contributions of school bags, educational materials, and food made the event possible.

The Beracah II Back to School initiative continues to be a cornerstone of the church’s mission to serve the community, combining faith, education, and compassion. By empowering children today, the church is investing in the leaders of tomorrow.

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