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.