Public Affairs & Religious Liberty

Championing freedom, building understanding

The Public Affairs & Religious Liberty (PARL) Department represents the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the public sphere, promoting freedom of conscience, belief, and worship for all. Through advocacy, relationship-building, and education, the department supports the Church’s mission while fostering constructive engagement with wider society.

How we serve

The Public Affairs & Religious Liberty Department works to represent the Church to external bodies, advocate for religious freedom, and support members in matters relating to faith, conscience, and public life. Our key responsibilities include:

• Religious liberty advocacy: Promoting and defending freedom of worship, belief, and conscience as fundamental human rights for all people.

• Guidance and support: Assisting individuals facing workplace, education, or scheduling challenges related to religious observance, discrimination, or restrictions on expressing their faith.

• Public engagement: Building positive relationships with councillors, civic leaders, MPs, government representatives, international organisations, and faith communities.

• Training and awareness: Equipping church leaders, members, and volunteers to understand and advocate for public affairs and religious liberty issues.

• Monitoring developments: Raising awareness of social, cultural, legal, political, and religious developments that may affect faith and religious freedom, particularly in the UK and Europe.

• Bridge-building: Encouraging respectful dialogue between the Church, public institutions, and wider society to strengthen understanding and cooperation.

• Mission support: Helping create an environment where the gospel can be shared freely and faith can be lived openly.