Israel-Based Adventist Leaders Arrested

[Stan]

Israel-Based Seventh Day Adventist Leaders Arrested

13:30 Oct 27, '04 / 12 Cheshvan 5765

(IsraelNN.com) Immigration Authority officers have arrested the senior leaders of the Seventh Day Adventist church in Petach Tikva on suspicion that they have been involved in missionary work.

During the investigation, it became clear to the police that the Seventh Day Adventist leaders were not only allegedly breaking laws regarding missionary activity, but they have been in the country illegally for more than a decade.

The Seventh Day Adventists deny the allegations of missionizing, but the police have determined that members of the church have focused on converting Jews to the Seventh Day brand of Christianity, particularly among immigrants from the former Soviet Union.

In addition, in the building belonging to the church, police discovered a large amount of cash, which the church leaders claim is all donations from followers. Tax authorities have been alerted.

[Naomi]

We need to faithfully pray for these dear brothers.

[aldona]

Is it possible to have some contact details of people to write to, in order to lobby for the release of members in similar situations?

I sometimes write letters for Amnesty and have just finished writing some on behalf of some Jehovah's Witnesses in Turkmenistan who have been imprisoned for practicing their religion. I have often thought it would be a good idea if we had a similar scheme (maybe organized throught the Religious Liberty department?)

According to Amnesty, letter writing is one of the most powerful tools available to help those who are unfairly imprisoned or whose human rights have been violated. Every edition of their members' newsletter carries success stories of folks who have been released from prison and the first thing they say is "thank you to all those who wrote letters."

How about it, Religious Liberty Department?

aldona

[benherndon]

I am against SDAs breaking the laws of any host country they are working in. There are ways to show one's faith in God without actions against the law. There should be no fudging with money transfers or anything else. Breaking the law will not properly encourage anybody to be a real Christian, in my opinion.

I hope the accusations against our missionaries in Israel are found unjustified. If they are guilty, though, they should pay the reasonable price of having broken the law--and change their ways!

Historically, SDAs have sort of considered that breaking the law for a 'good purpose' is justified. I strongly disagree with that sort of mindset. The Bible does not teach breaking a country's laws to point others to Christ!!

Ben

[Gregory Matthews]

Dr. Ben:

I think that I take a middle ground. We should not break laws simply due to convience. E.g. We should not smuggle Bibles into a country simply because we do not want to pay customs duty. But, I would take a different position if Bibles were illegal in that country.

[Naomi]

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Dr. Ben:

I think that I take a middle ground. We should not break laws simply due to convience. E.g. We should not smuggle Bibles into a country simply because we do not want to pay customs duty. But, I would take a different position if Bibles were illegal in that country.

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Gregory,

I personally know people from Isreal and people currently living in Isreal, and I feel certain that they would agree.

Naomi