Two divisions have established their own Biblical Research Committee (BRC) based on the Guidelines voted by the GC Administrative Committee in 2006 and in cooperation with the Biblical Research Institute (BRI). The committee of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division met for the first time in November 4, 2007. The role of the committee was carefully delineated and the first steps were taken in defining a working agenda for the next three years. The first work of the Committee was to examine the document “Spiritualism and the Adventist Church in Africa: Guidelines.” Some changes and additions were made. It was voted to refer it to the Executive Committee of the division for further discussion. The Executive Committed carefully analyzed it during its Year-End Meetings and asked the BRC to have the final draft ready for the Mid-Year Meetings.

The Inter-American Division appointed a Biblical Research Committee on November 2006, during the Year-End Meetings of the division. The Chairman of the Committee is Eli Henry. The first meeting took place on November 29, 2007, at the division’s headquarters in Miami, Florida. After discussing the nature and role of the Committee the members expressed their support for the goals of the Committee. Gerhard Pfandl gave a lecture on “Current Trends in Adventist Theology,” which was well received and provided the opportunity for dynamic interaction. Topics for future discussion were listed and assigned to writers.

We are pleased to see these developments in areas where church growth is significant. We hope that the work of the Committees will contribute to some extent to the theological development of the church and to the fulfillment of its mission in those divisions.