Writing this piece was extremely difficult for me as I have friends on both sides of this issue.
Emotions were high regarding the vote about the compliance document and whether it should be adopted or not. More than five hours were spent discussing the document, and many delegates were given a chance to voice their approval or disapproval of it. Personally, I am in favor of the document because I believe that it establishes accountability.
Many critics claim that the document fosters overreach and encourages “kingly power” but after reading it, I see that it fosters due process in the local sense by allowing the entity closest to the noncompliant issue to resolve the issue.
I have multiple friends who are on both sides of this issue, and I understand their frustration about how this can lead to organizational overreach and coercion. I pray that it does not lead to that. Many have linked this issue to the vote that took place during the General Conference Session in 2015 on women’s ordination and while I do see a connection, this compliance document can be used for other issues as well.
In conclusion, I echo Mario Ceballos, the last delegate to speak, who offered a ministerial perspective by saying "The greatest test of faith is when you don’t get what you want, but still you are able to say, 'Thank you, Lord.’”
The General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists’ Annual Council voted Sunday, Oct. 14 to approve a new process of compliance for its constituents by a vote of 185-124. Many expressed their opinion across multiple social media platforms. The Southern Accent accepted Letter to the Editor submissions on the topic which are included in this section. Letters to the Editor can be submitted to accent@southern.edu.
~ Tierra Hayes, editor-in-chief