Q: Are Seventh-day Adventist pastors supposed to promote and endorse politicians? In my country, many pastors are promoting a certain political figure through Facebook. It’s disturbing — especially since this person doesn’t have high morals.— Myrah, from Southeast Asia
A: The Seventh-day Adventist Church has always been an advocate of religious liberty and separation of church and state. History is very clear that when church and state unite, liberty of conscience is threatened and persecution invariably follows. So, the church has always stayed clear of endorsing or promoting any particular political candidate or party in any country.
Nevertheless, we recognize that every individual has a right to his or her own opinion and beliefs regarding politics, and, if they desire, even to become involved in politics as private citizens.
But let’s remember the words of Jesus, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). While we are to do all we can to make this world a better place, we, along with believers down through the ages, wait “for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. … but now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country” (Heb. 11:10, 16).