The Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) fosters biblical scholarship on a global scale and attracts scholars from around the world to its major congresses to present and discuss the latest research, exchange ideas, network, and renew friendships. The wide spectrum of theology represented at such gatherings and the predominance of liberal viewpoints has not prevented Adventist scholars from attending and exerting a positive influence in some quarters. Tom Shepherd of Andrews University chaired the Mark Group for a number of years. Beginning this year, he and Michael Chernick of Hebrew Union College (a non-Adventist institution) will co-chair a new consultation on the “Sabbath in Text, Tradition, and Theology.” Adventist scholars from such diverse places as Australia, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, and South Africa attended the twenty-sixth International SBL Congress held at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, July 6-11, 2008. Several Adventists also presented papers there, including four faculty members from the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS): Yoshitaka Kobayashi, Richard Sabuin, Gerald Klingbeil, a member of BRICOM, and his wife Chantal. Adventist participation in such meetings can help break down the prejudice that sometimes exists toward our church as well as provide a prominent platform for communicating our views to other Christian scholars.