Peace

A brief Seventh-day Adventist perspective

We are living with a heightened sense of vulnerability and fear because human beings have developed the means to destroy each other. We try to defend ourselves against violence and terror, but it solves nothing.

So, what are the options?

Seventh-day Adventists desire to take an active role in making and sustaining peace. Jesus blessed peacemakers by calling them children of God (see Matthew 5:9)

We believe lasting peace involves seeking:

• Dialogue
• Justice
• Forgiveness
• Reconciliation

The Adventist Church has a responsibility to provide protection for those who are in danger of being violated, exploited and terrorised. We will cooperate with those of other races, faiths and political persuasions in promoting exchanges between different cultures and ideological systems.

However, the church recognises that Christians have contributed to acts of violence and need to repent. A ministry of reconciliation will contribute to the restoration of human dignity, equality and unity in which human beings see each other as members of the family of God.

The Adventist Church is committed to peacemaking even though it may seem a big task. Ultimately, God promises to send Jesus, His son, to guarantee lasting peace.

The worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church released a statement on peace in 1985.