Date: 22 April 2017
Speakers: (Moderator) Nicholas Miller, Director, International Religious Liberty Institute and
Prof. of Church History at Andrews University (AU); Emmanuel Abar, PhD student at AU;
Vernon Alger, Attorney, Retired Director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for the Lake
Union Conference of SDA; Moustafa Elsayed, Imam at the Medina Islamic Center, Benton
Harbor, Michigan; John R. Nay, U.S. Ambassador (ret.), retired U.S. Diplomat
Topic: Religious Freedom & Public Morality: Church-State Issues in America Today
Venue: Garber Auditorium, Chan Shun Hall
Attendance: 118
(no recording)
Dr. Miller led off by noting that there are multiple significant current issues of religious
liberty interest, including the appointment of Justice Gorsuch to the Supreme Court and also the
Trinity Lutheran case now before the Court regarding whether a private religious school has as
much right to state assistance for playground equipment as private non-religious schools. Miller
thinks it likely that the church school will win its case. He added that former Justice Scalia’s
track record on religious freedom was not great, and that Justice Gorsuch may be a stronger
supporter of religious freedom than Scalia. Miller also mentioned legal concerns regarding the
Presidential ban on travel from several Muslim countries; the increase in the number of
Adventists in political positions; and issues related to politics and prophecy.
Imam Elsayed said that the Muslim community is deeply concerned about recent rhetoric,
the “travel ban,” and an apparent increase in racism in the United States. The Imam said that he
has reminded his members that everything happens with Allah’s knowledge. He encourages
them to pray for protection for themselves and for this country, and advised them that if they feel
uncomfortable in this country, they should go elsewhere. Also, he urged his members not to
spread rumors, and they agree that they should be positive and truthful. Some are trying to serve
the community more, such as at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen and in Benton Harbor, and
they are encouraging their youth to be more involved in the community. They plan to work with
churches to bring people together. The Imam also invites anyone to visit the mosque.
Doctoral student Emmanuel Abar said that people in Nigeria wonder where the world is
headed. He noted that 60% of Nigerians are Muslims, so reports of a Muslim travel ban are a
concern in Nigeria. Religious practices vary in the different areas of Nigeria. He also noted that
the attitude of American Adventists towards politics has changed. The idea of an Adventist
running for president is a new idea. In the past, the second coming of Christ was the burning
issue. There actually are more Adventist politicians in Nigeria than America, however, and also
more political divisiveness among Adventists. He cited a specific example of how partisan
politics has led to conflict in the church there.
Atty. Vern Alger discussed the possible repeal of the “Johnson Amendment,” which was
enacted in 1954 during the Eisenhower administration. Repeal would allow churches and
charitable organizations to directly endorse political candidates and be more involved in politics,
with multiple potential church-state ramifications. Eisenhower also signed the 1954 law that
added “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance and separately the 1956 law that made “In God
We Trust” the national motto of the United States and required its inclusion on U.S. currency.
Michiana Adventist Forum 