Recent Proceedings of the Euro-Africa Biblical Research Committee

The Biblical Research Committee (BRC) for the Euro-Africa Division met in Berne, Switzerland, March 7-8, 2011 at which the first in a series of books produced by the BRC dealing with ethical issues was displayed. This first in the series, on marriage, is available in French in two volumes, Le Mariage: Questions bibliques et théologiques, edited by Richard Lehmann; and in a single volume in German, Die Ehe: Biblische, theologische und pastorale Aspekte, edited by Roberto Badenas and Stefan Höschele. It will also soon be available in English. The second book in the ethics series, currently in preparation, deals with Adventists and military service. Also discussed were two statements produced by BRI, one dealing with the problem of dual membership and the other outlining a procedure to guide pastors and administrators in handling theological issues and concerns raised by church members. In addition, plans were made for holding three Bible conferences in Europe in 2012 for the pastors and other church workers of the Euro-Africa Division.

BRI Meets with Israel Ministry of Tourism Commissioner

The Biblical Research Institute organized a special luncheon held at the Seventh-day Adventist world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A. for Haim Gutin, the Israel Tourism Commissioner for North and South America, and Sharon Katzav, deputy director of the Israel Ministry of Tourism based in New York City. Pastor Ted N. C. Wilson, a number of General Vice Presidents, including Director-Elect of BRI Artur Stele, and several heads of GC departments, in addition to BRI associate directors Ekkehardt Mueller and Clinton Wahlen were in attendance. Following the luncheon, the representatives from BRI met privately with the guests to discuss plans for the upcoming 2012 International Bible Conference (further details at www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org). The fact that more than 300 delegates from over sixty countries will attend the conference and how best to facilitate certain planning details in light of this was a special focus of the discussion. It was also mentioned that conditions are improving for visiting Israel and are likely to improve further in the months leading up to the conference.

Photo: Mark A. Kellner/Adventist Review