As Seventh-day Adventists, we look forward to the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ and long for that eternal homeland “of which God is the architect and builder” (Hebrews 11:10). We also accept the challenge to be “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14). As such, we take on both the commitment to preach the gospel with its eternal values and the duty to be relevant and serve the communities in which we are inserted, making them better places.
“The Adventist Church has sought from its inception to follow Christ’s example in advocating freedom of conscience as an integral part of its evangelical mission. “As the role of the church in society expands, it is appropriate to declare the principles that guide our church in its worldwide outreach in contacts with the governments of the regions in which we operate” (Church Statements, p. 154). Therefore, as a Church we are determined to fulfill our institutional and individual duties by developing healthy relationships with established governments.
This document has been prepared to serve as a concise and unified guide to the Church’s thinking on political issues. It will be useful for pastors, servants and members, indicating the appropriate positioning in this sphere. It is not intended to replace divine counsel, but rather to clearly express the Church’s current understanding of the institutional relationship with public authorities and political affairs, as well as the duties of its members as citizens.
1. Adventists and party politics
There are some fundamental principles that govern the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s position on politics. One of these is the principle of separation between church and state, which means that each of these entities must fulfill its respective functions without interfering in the activities of the other. The Church believes that adopting a stance that does not involve party affiliation or any kind of commitment to political parties is one way of maintaining this principle. This practice should guide not only the Adventist organization at all its administrative levels, but also the institutions it maintains, its pastors and servants.
The Church finds in the teachings of the Lord Jesus and the apostles a secure basis for avoiding any institutional party-political militancy. Apostolic Christianity fulfilled its evangelical mission under the oppressive structures of the Roman Empire without turning against them. Christ himself stated that his kingdom “is not of this world” and that therefore his “ministers” do not fly political flags (John 18:36). Any positioning or commitment to party political parties would make it difficult to preach the gospel to everyone without distinction.
On the other hand, the Bible does not exempt the community of believers from civil duties, and this is evident in Jesus’ command: “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17). The New Testament presents several guidelines on the Christian duty to recognize and respect governments and authorities (Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Peter 2:13-17). It is only when temporal powers impose transgressions on divine laws that the Christian must take the stance of “obeying God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
Thus, the Seventh-day Adventist Church:
- It recognizes the obligations of exercising citizenship, but does not own or maintain political parties, nor does it join them, nor does it pass on denominational resources for activities of this nature. As it adopts a non-partisan stance, it respects the constituted authorities, but does not take part in any party-political activity.
- It understands the importance of the democratic process, but it does not allow meetings to be held in its temples, administrative headquarters and institutions for electoral purposes, whether to promote candidates (members or non-members of the church) or political parties.
- It respects the people elected to the various public offices, but it doesn’t have a parliamentary caucus, it doesn’t invest in the formation of party leaders and it doesn’t work to that end.
2. Adventists and elections
Adventists recognize the prophetic authority and influence of the life and work of Ellen G. White, messenger and co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her writings do not replace the Bible, but have served to deepen the understanding of the Holy Scriptures. This is also true in matters relating to the public sphere.
In one of her diaries she recorded that, at a certain meeting, the Adventist pioneers considered at length the question of voting. After a few opinions were mentioned, she wrote: “They think it is right to vote for temperance men to govern our city, rather than by their silence run the risk of intemperate men being elected” (Selected Messages, v. 2, p. 337).
On another occasion, we find Ellen G. White taking a clear position on the participation of church members in the choice of candidates who could favor the passing of laws to combat the sale of alcoholic beverages. On this occasion, she emphasized that every Christian has the responsibility to exert all possible influence to establish laws with the purpose of curbing this health- and family-destroying activity. She wrote: “Every individual has an influence on society. In our favored land, every voter has a certain voice in deciding what kind of laws shall govern the nation. Should not his influence and vote be placed on the side of temperance and virtue?” (Gospel Workers, p. 387).
These texts make it clear that every Adventist should exercise their right or duty to vote, using this prerogative to elect people who promote concepts in favor of health and quality of life. This certainly involves preferring candidates who also promote other biblical principles and values practiced and defended by Adventists and which can become a benefit for the entire population.
Thus, the Seventh-day Adventist Church:
- It recommends that its members fulfill the right or duty to vote, provided that on these occasions there is no incompatibility with the biblical principles defended by the Church.
- It advises its members to vote according to their individual conscience, to choose candidates who defend the principles of quality of life and health, the biblical family model, ethical and moral values, religious freedom and the separation of church and state.
- It determines that pastors, other workers, jubilarians with special credentials, employees of the organization, local leaders and members shall not present and promote candidates in temples, in their administrative headquarters, educational units, health care facilities, and in any other institutions, whether in worship services or in programs promoted and carried out by the denomination.
- It prohibits the use of tithes and any other denominational resources to finance candidates, electoral campaigns or political parties.
- It repudiates and does not authorize the receipt of personal or institutional advantages or benefits that are illicit, undue or in disagreement with ecclesiastical-administrative regulations. For the Church’s official criteria on conditions for receiving government funds, read the topic on this subject in the book Church Statements, page 157.
- It does not use, provide or authorize the provision of registration data or data of any other nature to send election propaganda to its members.
- It does not authorize the printing of propaganda or material of a political nature in its publishing houses, nor the use of advertising space in its periodicals to broadcast electoral propaganda. It also does not authorize the use of the internet, radio, television and publications of the Church and its institutions for the same purpose, except when required by law, as in the case of Rádio e TV Novo Tempo.
- Não autoriza o uso do espaço físico de seus templos, sedes administrativas e instituições para qualquer tipo de propaganda político-partidária-eleitoral.
- It does not approve of meetings and gatherings organized by pastors, other workers, pensioners with special credentials and employees of the organization for party-political purposes, whether in public or private settings.
- It clearly and expressly states who should speak on behalf of the Church when communicating with the press and other media. Pastors and servants, editors of publishing houses, presenters of Radio and TV Novo Tempo, journalists, press officers and communicators are not authorized to write, post and speak on behalf of Adventists on political issues, and must be constantly careful not to make statements that show preferences for ideologies, candidates or parties.
Candidates who are Adventists3. Candidates who are Adventists
Among the rights of Adventist Christians in the exercise of citizenship is the right to hold public office, elective or otherwise. The Old Testament mentions examples of people who held high-profile positions in the governments of their day. For example, Joseph was prime minister of Egypt (Genesis 41:38-46) and, having been placed by God in charge of that nation, he remained pure and faithful in the king’s court and was “a representative of Christ” to the Egyptians (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 369). Daniel held important government positions in Babylon under the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Cyrus and Darius, and, with unconditional loyalty to divine principles, he and his companions were ambassadors for the true God in the courts of these kings.
It’s interesting to note that Joseph and Daniel were appointed to public office directly by the monarchs themselves. Today, in most modern democracies, public officials can either be appointed or elected by popular vote. The Seventh-day Adventist Church respects the decision of its members to hold public office, whether through an electoral process or by direct appointment. It also recognizes that, as in the times of Joseph, Daniel and Esther, society can benefit from the good example of religious politicians who exercise their activities with dignity, without compromising Christian principles, while at the same time giving a good witness to the faith and promoting biblical values.
Thus, the Seventh-day Adventist Church:
- It stipulates that Adventist candidates should not use the pulpit or official church programs to ask for votes.
- Requests that members running for elected public office leave their local church duties during the campaign period.
- It establishes that pastors, other workers and employees who decide to run for office must obligatorily withdraw from their work in the Adventist organization.
- It establishes that pastors and other workers who decide to engage in any work directly or indirectly related to party politics, such as advisory services, propaganda, advertising, or other related activities, must obligatorily disassociate themselves from work in the Adventist organization.
- It establishes that retired pastors with a special credential who decide to run for office or engage in any work directly or indirectly related to party politics, such as advisory services, advertising, publicity or other related activities, will have their credential suspended for the duration of their involvement.
- It recognizes that when Adventist members run for elected office with a mandate, they will be candidates exclusively of the political party to which they affiliate and never candidates of the Adventist Church.
- It establishes that when situations arise in which candidates, whether church members or not, are running for re-election or any other elective public office, they will be dealt with according to the guidelines in this document.
- It advises the administrators of Associations/Missions and Unions to be cautious when they consider it appropriate to inform the local ecclesiastical leadership (pastors and elders) about the candidacy of Adventist members. They should do so prudently, without asking for votes, with all the discretion that the situation requires and in circumstances that do not contradict the guidelines in this document.
- It does not authorize its members, whether public officials, candidates or those who have been elected, to officially represent or speak on behalf of the Adventist Church in the exercise of their functions.
4. Adventists and demonstrations on social media
The advance of digital technology in all areas of human life, including the discussion of party politics, is undeniable and, in a way, unlimited. As an environment for manifestations related to parties, candidates and elections, social media provides many debates, but also mutual accusations and the spread of untrue data. These accusations are characterized by national legislation as offences against honour, subjecting their propagators to penalties.
The free expression of thought, especially in relation to political issues, implies profound responsibility and can generate undesirable consequences resulting from the dissemination of inappropriate content. Although the posts and opinions of its members do not necessarily reflect the thinking of the Church, individual manifestations are often taken as if they were the official position of the Adventist organization on the subject.
Thus, the Seventh-day Adventist Church:
- It advises all those who have religious/missionary or employment ties with the Adventist organization not to post on social media or forward messages with opinions or expressions about party politics or candidate choices for elected office, especially during election time.
- It recommends that Adventist members of local congregations be very cautious when engaging in positions and discussions on social media regarding politics, parties and elections. There are other issues of spiritual and missionary relevance that deserve greater attention from those who understand their role as multipliers of the gospel.
- It recognizes the value of broadcasting content on social media that motivates good initiatives on behalf of people, as a way of contributing to the well-being of all. The Adventist organization itself, when it deems it necessary, will express its position on issues of social interest, fulfilling its role of being a voice of hope in society.
Adventists and public demonstrations5. Adventists and public demonstrations
The growing wave of public demonstrations calls for reflection and answers to the following questions: Should Christians take part in these public acts? Should pastors, other workers, Jubilarians with special credentials and employees of the Adventist organization take to the streets and support popular protests?
As a Church, we respect the right of expression and peaceful, legitimate demands. After all, we have also taken to the streets to call attention to violence, for example, through the Breaking the Silence project and other activities. So we don’t think it’s wrong to peacefully defend ideas and ideals. However, we are against any form of expression that uses violence, whether physical or verbal; against vandalism and the destruction of public or private property.
The Adventist Church must assume its role in society as an organization actively involved in issues pertaining to the interests and needs of citizens, through practical missionary actions. It also recognizes the challenge of being relevant and making a difference in the lives of the people and communities in which it operates. With regard to issues involving inequality and social injustice, the church develops, supports and carries out social and educational projects that benefit community life. Its various fronts of action involve ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency), ASA (Adventist Solidarity Action), schools, colleges and universities, among other programs promoted by the various departments and institutions of the denomination. However, it seeks to act in defense of its convictions without conflicting with biblical principles and without protesting against ideologies and constituted authorities.
The Bible directs believers to pray on behalf of authorities and cities, always seeking peace (Jeremiah 29:7; 1 Timothy 2:2). For Adventists, much more than protesting and demanding, the mission is to proclaim. Our energies should not be put into demonstrations, but into working for the good of the people and announcing the return of the Lord Jesus.
Thus, the Seventh-day Adventist Church:
- It recognizes its duty to meet people’s needs, exercising its role as a servant institution, being relevant in society and making a difference in the context in which it operates, through its various ministries.
- It admits the carrying out of public activities and demonstrations organized by the church, but advises those responsible to act with all care and prudence so that these events are peaceful and have the sole objective of praising and promoting Christian values and principles.
- It does not recommend the participation of its members and does not authorize its pastors, other workers, retired members with special credentials and employees of the organization to attend or take part in public demonstrations of a socio-political-partisan nature.
- It encourages its members to pray on behalf of cities and authorities.
- It recognizes the need to constantly deal with representatives of the public authorities, despite being non-partisan. For this reason, it maintains its stance of proper relations with the constituted authorities so that the functioning of the institutional structure is guaranteed, with the sole purpose of fulfilling its mission.
- It establishes that if there are any attitudes that do not comply with the recommendations and determinations of this document, the cases will be analyzed by the institution or local church to which those involved belong.
Conclusion
As Christians, we recognize the legitimate role of organized governments in society, we respect the right of the state to legislate in secular matters and we consent to these laws when they do not contradict divine precepts. We also understand that our members must take their civil responsibilities seriously and exercise their role as citizens, but without forgetting their heavenly citizenship.
Without detracting from political issues and their importance, we understand that it is the Church’s duty to give due prominence to the goal of developing practices that result in strengthening faith and promoting hope in the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ. We recognize that the vocation of preaching the gospel involves carrying out actions of solidarity that express love for others and bring relief to human suffering. For this reason, all effort and energy must be channeled into selfless service on behalf of people, revealing a deep interest in their salvation. Let our prayer be: “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
This document has been prepared in harmony with the official statements of the church, as contained in the chapter “The Relationship Between Church and State” (Church Statements, p. 154-160), adopted by the General Conference in March 2002 and which serves as a guideline and reference for the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department. This statement can be accessed via the links: