August 31, 2007
by Jerry Van Marter

LOUISVILLE – Representatives of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Seventh-day Adventist Church met here Aug. 22-24 to better understand each other's faith, remove stereotypes, and explore areas of possible cooperation.

The meeting was a follow-up to the one held last November Adventist world headquarters in Silver Spring, MD.

Participants discussed four papers prepared for the gathering on the two traditions' understandings of sola scriptura (biblical authority), law and gospel, and the writings of Adventist theologian Ellen G. White and John Calvin in relation to the two topics.

The conversation, notable for its cordiality and warm fellowship, revealed unanimity concerning the place of Scripture as the only rule of faith and practice. It also produced agreement on the role of the law as a guide to Christian living.

Representing the PC(USA) in the talks were the Rev. Carlos Malave, associate for ecumenical relations and assistant stated clerk, who organized the gathering; Aurelio Garcia from the University of Puerto Rico; the Rev. Eunice McGarrahan of The National Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC; David Jensen of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary; and the Rev. Sheldon Sorge, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

The Adventist delegation consisted of Hal Thomsen, assistant to the president for the North American Division of the church; three representatives from the Biblical Research Institute of the Adventist General Conference: Angel Rodriguez, Kwabena Donkor and Ekkehart Muller; Merlin Burt of Andrews University, and William Johnsson, assistant to the church's president for interfaith relations.

At the conclusion of the conversation, representatives agreed to recommend to their respective governing bodies that further conversations be held, including exploration of ways the two churches may work together more fully.

Information for this story furnished by the Rev. Carlos Malave of the Office of the General Assembly.

Presbyterian News Service