The North American Division (NAD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church issued a formal appeal on January 31, 2025, calling for the protection of human dignity for immigrants. The statement grounds its position in Fundamental Belief No. 14, asserting that all humans are equal in Christ and that dehumanization by law is contrary to scripture. While the church encourages its facilities to remain “warm and welcoming,” the document is a descriptive moral appeal rather than a prescriptive political manifesto. It addresses the climate of fear surrounding deportation threats at churches and schools but directs leaders to a separate “Office of General Counsel” guidance for practical legal protocols. This strategy allows the denomination to advocate for “decency” in policy implementation while maintaining strict compliance with federal law and its own non-partisan tax-exempt status.
The NAD statement is a descriptive moral appeal that focuses on the theological “wholeness” of individuals rather than a political challenge to federal authority. It uses internal church doctrine to justify its stance on immigration while relying on professional legal counsel to handle the practicalities of enforcement.
This story matters because it illustrates how a major denomination can voice concern over “human dignity” without violating the Johnson Amendment. By framing the issue as a “Human Relations” matter, the NAD maintains its moral voice while steering clear of partisan campaigning.
The NAD appeal is rooted in the biblical principle of “One Humanity.” The leadership cites Galatians 3:28 and Matthew 25:40 to argue that the treatment of the “least of these” is a direct reflection of a believer’s relationship with Christ.
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