|
REPORT BRIEF II THE HOUR IS VERY LATE!! Ganoune Diop Calls His Critics Inquisitors, Promoters of Hate Speech and the Wrath of the Dragon: This is a response to Ganoune Diop’s recent attack against those who do not support the church’s current interfaith outreach programs. Last week the Adventist Review published an article written by Diop in which he lashes out against those who disapprove of what he and others have been doing with regards to interfaith relationships. [1] At every level of the church – local, national and international – there is a coordinated effort in operation where the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Rome are engaging in new, never before seen joint worship services, interfaith bridge-building efforts and interfaith unity. . . PARL and the International Religious Liberty Association: The International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) has strong ties to the Seventh-day Adventist Church and to the PARL department, yet it is today an independent and non-sectarian organization that works to promote freedom of religions or belief for all people, everywhere, no matter what their faith tradition. All PARL staff are either officers of IRLA or support staff, although these are voluntary positions, in keeping with IRLA's charter. . . In 1946 the IRLA opened its membership to non-Adventists. Today the IRLA has members from many different religions and beliefs, including non-believers. . . The IRLA is an independent organization, but with strong links to the church and to the PARL department. In practice, this means that the church supports the IRLA and its national associations. Further, it is understood and accepted that the PARL director of the church will be the Secretary General or the Executive Director of the association. However, it is not necessary for the President of the association to be a Seventh-day Adventist—and, in fact, it can be very helpful for this position to be filled by a non church member. . . Religious Liberty As the official voice of the Adventist Church on matters of religious freedom and human rights, PARL maintains offices in Washington, D.C. to allow for convenient access to the U.S. Congress; New York City, to liaise with the United Nations; and at the church’s world headquarters in Silver Spring, MD. PARL also sponsors the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) on behalf of the Adventist Church. IRLA is a non-sectarian organization supporting religious freedom around the world. The first organization of its kind, IRLA brings together representatives of many faiths—including Catholics, Baptists, Muslims, Jews, Mormons, Buddhists and others—to support religious liberty. PARL and IRLA promote this vital cooperation through conferences, religious liberty festivals and other events, collectively raising awareness and educating government officials around the world. What a delusional condition! The historic Religious Liberty program of the Seventh-day Adventist Church now uses this department of the Church as an occasion to play the harlot wantonly. |