PARL

During the quinquennium 2021-2025, the Office of the President of the British Union Conference (BUC) has given focused leadership and support to the work of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL). This period has been characterised by increased public complexity, workplace challenges for church members, and a growing need for clear, confident and faith-informed engagement with society. In response, the President’s Office sought to strengthen advocacy for religious freedom, support members in matters of conscience, and promote a strategic integration of PARL with Communications and Stewardship.

Leadership and Strategic Direction

Throughout the quinquennium, the President’s Office provided strategic oversight for PARL within the BUC, ensuring that religious liberty remained a core value and practical priority of the Union. Close collaboration was encouraged between PARL, Communications, and other departmental leaders to ensure a united and thoughtful approach to public engagement, advocacy and representation of the Church.

A key emphasis was the development of a proactive PARL culture – one that not only responds to challenges, but also equips members and leaders to understand their rights, communicate their beliefs effectively, and engage constructively with public institutions, employers and educational bodies.

Advocacy and Member Support: Sabbath Observance

One of the most consistent and significant areas of PARL activity during this period was direct support for church members facing challenges related to Sabbath observance. The President’s Office responded to numerous requests for assistance and guidance, including cases involving:

• Requests for time off work on the Sabbath

• Examinations scheduled on the Sabbath

• Induction days, training programmes or mandatory professional activities falling on the Sabbath

Support was provided through pastoral counsel, written representations and guidance on engaging respectfully with employers, universities, schools and professional institutions. These interventions not only assisted individual members, but also reinforced the Church’s commitment to freedom of conscience and the right to practise one’s faith without discrimination. By the grace of God, each case wherein we intervened was upheld.

PARL Training Weekend – May 2024

A major highlight of the quinquennium was the PARL training weekend held in May 2024 under the theme ‘Dealing with Today’s Giants’. This programme was intentionally designed as a capacity-building event, equipping leaders and members to address contemporary challenges to faith and religious liberty with clarity, courage and wisdom.

The weekend approached PARL from a Communications perspective, recognising that effective advocacy is closely linked to how the Church communicates its values and engages with wider society. Key presentations and discussions focused on:

• Dare to Be a Daniel – moral courage, faithfulness and principled witness in challenging contexts

• Foundations of Personal Freedom – biblical, historical and legal perspectives on freedom of conscience

• A Strategic Approach to Church Relations – building constructive and respectful relationships with the Government, other institutions and community stakeholders

• Heroes of Our Faith – lessons from individuals whose commitment to God and liberty continues to inspire

The programme was strengthened by the contribution of distinguished guest speakers:

• Dr Ganoune Diop, Director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, General Conference

• Elder Paulo Macedo, Director of Communications and PARL, General Conference Inter-European Division

Their insights provided both global and regional perspectives, affirming the relevance of PARL to mission and encouraging participants to engage confidently and responsibly in the public square.

PARL Weekend Programme – May 2025

In May 2025, a further PARL weekend programme built on the foundations laid earlier in the quinquennium. This event explored PARL in relation to Communications and Stewardship, highlighting the responsibility of the Church and its members to steward their influence, their voice and their relationships in a manner that reflects Christian values.

The programme emphasised PARL as an integral part of discipleship and mission, calling members to represent their faith with integrity in professional, civic and public settings while maintaining a spirit of respect and service.

Government Consultations

The British Union Conference (BUC) has actively supported the voice of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in responding to government consultations that affect the life and mission of the Church. Many of these consultations have a direct impact on the practice of faith within church communities, educational institutions and employment settings. Through thoughtful engagement and formal responses, the BUC has sought to ensure that the perspectives and religious liberty concerns of the Church are heard within public policy discussions. This advocacy reflects the BUC’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding freedom of belief and enabling members to live out their faith with integrity in all areas of society.

Interfaith Affiliation

The Church is not formally a member of national ecumenical bodies like Churches Together in England. The Church participates in broader Christian and faith-community initiatives primarily through informal cooperation, shared community events, and observer roles in ecumenical/interfaith spaces, rather than through formal membership in national churches’ councils. We maintain our own denominational identity and organisational structure while still engaging with other religious organisations where common interests – such as community wellbeing and religious freedom – arise.

Impact and Reflection

The period 2021-2025 has underscored the growing importance of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty within the life and witness of the British Union Conference. Through direct advocacy, intentional training and strategic collaboration with global church leadership, the President’s Office has sought to ensure that members are supported, informed and empowered to live out their faith faithfully in an increasingly complex environment.

Conclusion

As this quinquennium concludes, the Office of the President affirms its continued commitment to the principles of religious liberty, freedom of conscience and constructive public engagement. The experiences of 2021-2025 highlight the vital role of PARL as both a protective and proactive ministry, supporting members and advancing the Church’s mission with clarity, compassion and conviction.

Recognition

Recognition must be given to the individuals who have provided tremendous support to the British Union Conference Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) Department. These include Kerrine Guthrie, Executive Personal Assistant; Pastor Brighton Kavaloh, SEC PARL Director; Dr Patrick Lowe, NEC PARL Director; and the presidents of each conference and mission, whose leadership and encouragement have strengthened this vital ministry. Above all, sincere gratitude is given to God for His guidance, wisdom and sustaining grace throughout this work.