By Zach Roberts
The Seventh-day Adventist Church says it does not stand for racism. The denomination’s statement in an article posted on Adventist.org begins with an analysis of racism as a sin and how it remains in effect today. The third paragraph reads, “The Seventh-day Adventist Church deplores all forms of racism, including the political policy of apartheid with its enforced segregation and legalized discrimination.”
That’s pretty clear. However, how does the denomination fare with racial landmarks? Based on my research, it seems they were pretty hit or miss. Ellen White, the denomination’s most prominent co-founder considered a prophetess by most members, said things that seemed like she, and the church as a result, were against racism in every facet. However, the denomination has struggled with segregated churches and other issues.
In a dissertation on SDA’s and race relations, Cleran Hollancid writes, “Racial division in the church is not only embarrassing to the faith, but actually impairs the quality of relations in society.”
Division in the church, and everywhere, is seemingly at an all-time high right now. Within the church, division over women’s ordination and leadership remains a heated discussion. But since racial issues have become somewhat intertwined with politics, the division there, albeit probably more private, remains tense.
Here is a timeline of the intersections between race and the Adventist church:
https://www.timetoast.com/timelines/2492031
Sources:
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2412&context=dissertations