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Religious Liberty Advisory: A Strategic Mobilization in the Face of Contemporary Challenges

Posted on Mars 26 2026

WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA DIVISION
Religious Liberty Advisory: A Strategic Mobilization in the Face of Contemporary Challenges

[Photo:Nelu Burcea, PARL Director at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church]
Accra, GHANA — In a global context increasingly marked by restrictions on freedom of conscience, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the West-Central Africa Division (WAD) held a major advisory from March 12 to 17, 2026, in Accra. Held under the theme “Integrated for Mission,” this strategic gathering brought together key stakeholders from 22 countries, with the support of the General Conference.
The meetings took place at the headquarters of the Southwest Ghana Union Conference, in the presence of leading figures, including Nelu Burcea, PARL Director at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church, accompanied by his associates Elie Henry and Andy Im. Also present were Dickson Sarfo Marfo, WAD Treasurer and chairman of PARL Departmental Committee, and Abraham Bakari, WAD PARL Director, the organizer.

[Photo: Elie Henry, Associates Director PARL at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church]

[Photo: Andy Im, Associates Director PARL at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church]

Reflecting on the advisory, Nelu Burcea praised “the depth of the discussions and especially the richness derived from the diversity of national contexts,” noting that this diversity is “a strategic asset for refining advocacy mechanisms and adapting responses to local realities.”

[Photo : Dickson Sarfo Marfo, WAD Treasurer and Abraham Bakari, WAD PARL Director]

A Sobering Reality: Persistent Violations

At the heart of the discussions was a troubling reality: in many national contexts, although Religious Freedom is guarranteed by the Constitution, the practice of faith continues to face multifaceted challenges.

Participants outlined a sobering picture of violations, including persecution, kidnappings, restrictions targeting women and children, issues related to burial days and elections, and academic and professional constraints imposed on Saturdays—the Sabbath observed by Adventists. Cases of physical, psychological, and economic violence were also reported, along with property destruction and, in some instances, killings or threats to personal safety.

[Photo: View of the room]
Religious Liberty: A Spiritual and Human Imperative
Throughout the sessions, participants were enlightened on the concept of religious liberty, which goes far beyond being simply one of the fundamental human rights. Religious liberty excludes any form of coercion in matters of faith. God, the Sovereign Creator, does not compel anyone to worship Him.
Beyond legal considerations, the advisory strongly emphasized the spiritual dimension of religious liberty. In his insightful presentations, Nelu Burcea highlighted that religious freedom is not merely a constitutional guarantee but a sacred principle rooted in God’s respect for human choice. Protecting the conscience, he explained, is central to preserving the divine-human relationship.
He further challenged participants to strengthen public affairs engagement by “unlocking the inner door”—overcoming fear, hesitation, or self-imposed limitations that often prevent leaders from engaging effectively with public authorities. He also stressed the importance of intentionally organizing PARL events and cultivating meaningful, respectful relationships with political leaders and other religious actors as part of a long-term influence strategy.
Beyond identifying the challenges, participants deepened their theological and philosophical understanding of religious liberty.

Strategic Themes and Approaches
Case studies drawn from biblical narratives, history, and contemporary realities helped illustrate patterns of persecution and resilience. Presenters also shared strategies for strengthening the protection of religious liberty, particularly through constructive engagement with political authorities, opinion leaders, and other religious communities.
Key themes addressed during the advisory included the relationship between religious liberty and mission, the interaction between the Church and public authorities, and biblical approaches to influence. Special attention was given to understanding national contexts in order to adapt strategies effectively to local realities.
Several pressing issues were discussed, including the link between religious liberty and the Church’s missionary and eschatological mandate, the connection between Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, and practical ways to influence leaders based on biblical models. Participants were also introduced to the work of the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA), the All Africa Religious Liberty Association (AARLA).

Sensitive Issues: Sunday Law and Ecumenism
The sensitive legislative developments, particularly those related to Sunday law have gained renewed attention in light of reports associated with the Heritage Foundation. These discussions underscored the need for constant vigilance and increased expertise in a rapidly evolving legal and sociopolitical environment.
Andy Im presented an updated analysis in light of contemporary ideological trends, referencing reflections linked to the Heritage Foundation. He encouraged participants to adopt a balanced, vigilant, and contextualized approach, emphasizing the importance of discernment without falling into either alarmism or complacency. He was involved in a special visit to a Muslim community in Madina for donations with the local Adventist Church.
In another presentation, Elie Henry provided important clarifications regarding the Church’s relationship with international institutions and religious movements. Addressing its engagement with the United Nations, he explained that the Church cooperates on humanitarian and human rights issues without compromising its doctrinal identity. On ecumenism, he highlighted a posture of respectful dialogue while maintaining theological integrity and prophetic mission. He also introduced an “Covenant of Integrity” to be embraced by leaders.

Field Reports and Historical Reflection
Reports from PARL directors across the various unions offered a rich and diverse overview of national situations, demonstrating a growing commitment to the defense of fundamental freedoms.
Beyond the formal sessions, participants visited the Osu Castle, a historic slave-holding site. This powerful experience served as a reminder of the extreme consequences of denying human dignity. A tour at the Kwame Nkrumah Museum concluded the tour in Accra.
Participants also paid a courtesy visit to Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, Member of Parliament and former Mayor of Accra, illustrating the intersection between faith and public service.

Strategic Vision 2025–2030
A significant highlight of the advisory was the presentation of the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan by Abraham Bakari. The plan outlines a forward-looking framework aimed at strengthening advocacy, capacity building, and institutional engagement across the Division.
It emphasizes structured training for leaders, systematic documentation of violations, enhanced communication strategies, and deeper collaboration with national and international partners. The plan also seeks to integrate religious liberty more intentionally into the Church’s mission agenda, ensuring that advocacy efforts are proactive, coordinated, and sustainable.

Voices from the Field
Participants’ testimonies further highlighted the impact of the gathering. Justice Livingstone T.C. Eruba, Judge at the High Court of Aba and PARL Director for the Eastern Nigeria Union Conference stated: “I think it has been a rewarding experience… I have been exposed to new perspectives in religious liberty… It is very dynamic, not static… there are new approaches emerging every season…” He added: “These are not little persons… these are captains of industry… very seasoned pastors… people with diverse experiences.”
Paul C. Ananaba, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, also shared: “This is one of the best advisories I’ve attended… We went into details… I believe that God will strengthen us as we return to our fields to train others… and raise more effective leaders.”
In the same line of satisfaction, Solace Asafo, PARL Director of the hosting Union got a renewed vision and praised God for the quality and depth of the presentations.

Key Resolutions
Several key resolutions were highlighted to address the identified challenges:

• Organizing spiritual watch initiatives through intercessory “Liberty Warriors” to support the persecuted and bring all situations before God
• Strengthening institutional advocacy through regular engagement with government authorities
• Producing consistent reports on the state of religious liberty and proposing appropriate responses
• Training church leaders and members on their fundamental rights and protection mechanisms
• Developing proactive communication strategies through traditional and digital media
• Encouraging interfaith dialogue to promote tolerance and prevent conflict
• Supporting victims through pastoral, legal, and psychosocial care
• Integrating religious liberty into all major mission initiatives, including Africa for Christ and ONEVOICE27

A Call to Vigilance and Commitment
At the conclusion of the advisory, one conviction stood out clearly: the defense of religious liberty cannot be separated from coordinated, informed, and forward-looking action. It is an ongoing struggle that requires competence, unity, and anticipation.
In a region where religious and social tensions can challenge peaceful coexistence, initiatives like this advisory in Accra serve as vital platforms for promoting peace, justice, and respect for fundamental rights.
More than a routine institutional meeting, this advisory was a call to vigilance and commitment—a reminder that the freedom to believe, or not to believe, remains one of the most precious pillars of society and must be protected everywhere and at all times with determination.

[Photo: Family Picture PARL]

By Williams Paul Oboun Nyebe, PARL Director for West-Central Cameroon Union Misson / Abraham BAKARI, PARL Director, WAD.