The Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) PARL advisory meeting was held in Jeju, Korea, from June 14 to 16, 2016. Dr. Ganoune Diop, General Conference (GC) PARL director, was invited to the meeting to give relevant guidance on how to advance the ministry of PARL ateach level of church organization in the NSD territories. Along with the Union and local Conference PARL directors, 11 pastors and two dentists attended the advisory meeting and shared ideas on how to help our churches enjoy religious freedom.
The NSD has many challenges in terms of not only mission work but religious liberty because of political issues. For example, last year, the Korean government announced that the tests for 37 job licenses will only be offered on Saturday. In Japan, the license exam for medical doctors is given on Saturday.
Each country in the NSD guarantees religious freedom in its constitution. However, there a couple of reasons have kept nations from observing this part of the constitution,and many Adventists have faced challenges in keeping the Sabbath day.
First, nations usually disregard the article of religious freedom for political reasons. Second, the majority religious group oppresses minor Christian groups and keep them from enjoying religious freedom.
Dr. Diop emphasized the significance of public affairs in enhancing religious liberty. He stated that mingling with other religious leaders and non-governmental organizations will be a good opportunity to let them know beautiful Adventist truths and to defend them.
Dr. JooMinHo, NSD PARL director, also remarked that Adventists have to know what PARL is and realize how critical it is for religious life. PARL is the public face that makes way for other departmental work to be successful in the community.
In his report, Heywood Cham, Hong Kong and Macau Conference PARL director, presented several examples of how to help college students to avoid school exams on the Sabbath by sending a letter of appeal to school presidents.
Two Korean dentists serving as army doctors also reported on religious liberty and equality of opportunity and how to appeal to the government to protect religious liberty of the Korean Adventist Church. The Religious Liberty and Equality of Opportunity Association consists of a few Korean Adventist medical doctors and dentists.
Because of their persistent appeal and constant effort, since 2014, the license exam for medical doctors has been administered on Sundays at Sahmyook University.
Before the meeting ended, the PARL directors determined to advance PARL ministries and to help church members enjoy religious liberty.