Religious Liberty

What Is Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL)?

Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) creates favorable conditions to share the good news of freedom and to invite all to loving fellowship with God and fellow human beings. PARL’s mandate is to promote and develop a culture of human rights grounded on human dignity and on the belief in the creation of all humans in God's image, free to fellowship with God and fellow human beings.

What does PARL do?

Help the leaders of society understand who Adventists are, and how we contribute to the quality of life within every community. PARL works with other church departments to advocate public policy positions on various issues. PARL works in assisting church members who are discriminated against or persecuted for their beliefs.

How does PARL work?

PARL Leaders represent the church before governments, international organizations, and various non-governmental associations.

Diplomacy

We build relationships with state leaders and public officials by visiting with them, and inviting some to visit our organizations and churches.

Communication

PARL publishes news reports, articles, books, and an annual World Report on Religious Freedom. The third Sabbath of every January is named "Religious Liberty Sabbath" when church members are invited to remember the importance of protecting and promoting our religious liberty.

PARL Activities

Here are some of the areas in which we can assist with:

Work and Sabbath scheduling conflicts
ACT, SAT and Professional testing date accommodations
Non-combatancy letters for citizenship applications
Restrictions of the freedom to witness
Liberty Magazine promotions
Religious Liberty Sabbath