For Immediate Release- Statement by Southeastern California Conference regarding the Gospel and the value of human life.
This statement is available for download in both English and Spanish. An additional document entitled, “Compassion in Action Resources” is also provided in supplement that contains practical ideas for churches and ministries to support immigrant communities.
Statement on the Gospel and the Value of Human Life
July 17, 2025
RIVERSIDE, CALIF.— The Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is privileged to serve nearly 70,000 members across five counties in Southern California. Our region is characterized by rich diversity in language, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background—a reflection, we believe, of the prophetic vision in Revelation 7:9, where “a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language” stands united in worship before the throne of God. We acknowledge that the challenges affecting one community may not affect others in the same way. Yet in this diversity, we find a sacred opportunity for deeper understanding, compassion, and shared mission.
At a time when polarization threatens to divide communities, we are reminded of the sovereignty of Christ, in whom “all things hold together” (Col 1:17). It is Christ who unites us—and who teaches us that we will always find Him among the vulnerable and the marginalized (Mat 25:40). In light of increased immigration enforcement activities and the resulting fear felt by members and neighbors in some of our congregations, we affirm the North American Division’s (NAD) “Appeal for Human Dignity and Decency,” as well as the statements of our sister conferences. We reject the notion that one’s value is determined by immigration status; rather, we uphold that every human being is created in the image of God (Gen 1:27) and is endowed with inherent worth and dignity. This affirmation does not negate the importance of upholding the laws of the United States. Rather, we join our sister conferences in calling for immigration policies that are both just and compassionate—honoring the law while upholding the sanctity of human life.
The current climate presents a growing challenge to our mission: to proclaim the everlasting gospel within our cross-cultural territories. As pastors, educators, members, and neighbors experience direct and indirect consequences, we are compelled to speak out with both clarity and compassion. Scripture calls us to care for the foreigner among us, treating them as our own (Lev 19:34). We echo the NAD’s conviction that “dehumanization through exclusion or fear contradicts biblical teaching” (Fundamental Belief No. 14). We urge that the language and rhetoric surrounding immigrants and refugees refrain from vilifying those who are seeking a better life.
We remain committed to fostering church and school environments that are safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all regardless of immigration status. We understand that in-person worship may not feel secure for everyone at this time, and we invite those affected to remain connected with us through online community and ministry.
SECC will continue to equip and support our leaders and congregations by providing resources, training, and pastoral care to meet the needs of all who seek it. We pray that God’s perfect love will provide the presence needed to face and overcome fear (1 Jn 4:18), and that each person would experience the truth of Ephesians 2:19, 22—that we are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens and members of God’s household, being built together into a dwelling place for His Spirit.
May we, as a body of believers, embody the hope, healing, and justice of the gospel in our words and in our witness.
Signed,
SECC Administration
This statement was voted by the Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Administrative Committee in Riverside, California on July 15, 2025.
Para publicación inmediata
Declaración sobre el Evangelio y el valor de la vida humana
17 de julio de 2025
RIVERSIDE, CALIF.—La Conferencia del Sureste de California (SECC) sirve a casi 70,000 miembros en cinco diferentes condados. Nuestra región se caracteriza por una rica diversidad lingüística, étnica y socioeconómica; es una anticipación de la visión profética de Apocalipsis 7:9, donde "una gran multitud de toda nación, tribu, pueblo y lengua" se reúne en adoración ante el trono de Dios. Reconocemos que los desafíos que afectan a una comunidad pueden no afectar a otras de la misma manera. Sin embargo, en esta diversidad encontramos una sagrada oportunidad para practicar un ministerio de compasión y una misión compartida.
Cuando la polarización amenaza con dividir a las comunidades, recordamos que es en la soberanía de Cristo que «todo subsiste» (Colosenses 1:17). Debemos considerar que, en su ministerio terrenal, Jesús se identificó con los vulnerables y marginados (Mateo 11:5).
Ante el aumento de las medidas de control migratorio y el temor que sienten algunos miembros de iglesia y personas en nuestras comunidades, afirmamos el llamado y compromiso de la División Norteamericana (NAD) para proteger “la Dignidad y la Decencia Humana”.
Rechazamos la idea de que el valor de una persona se determina por su estatus migratorio; más bien, afirmamos que todo ser humano es creado a imagen de Dios (Génesis 1:27) y está dotado de valor y dignidad inherentes. Esta afirmación no niega la importancia de respetar las leyes de Estados Unidos. Esperamos que las autoridades implementen políticas migratorias justas y compasivas, que se respete la ley de la nación, pero que se haga dentro del marco de la protección de la dignidad humana.
El ambiente actual presenta un desafío creciente para cumplir con la misión de proclamar el Evangelio Eterno en nuestro territorio multicultural. A medida que nuestros pastores, educadores y miembros de iglesia experimentan consecuencias directas e indirectas, tenemos la responsabilidad moral de alzar nuestra voz con claridad y mostrar compasión hacia las familias afectadas.
Las Escrituras nos llaman a cuidar del extranjero entre nosotros, tratándolo como uno de los nuestros (Levítico 19:34). Creemos en la convicción de la NAD de que «la deshumanización mediante la exclusión o el miedo contradice la enseñanza bíblica» (Creencia Fundamental #14). Instamos a que los inmigrantes y refugiados en nuestras comunidades sean tratados con respeto y dignidad.
Nos mantenemos firmes en nuestro compromiso de crear espacios seguros e inclusivos para todas las personas en nuestras iglesias y escuelas, sin distinción de su situación migratoria.
Sabemos que el culto presencial puede no ser seguro para todos en este momento, por lo que invitamos a los afectados a permanecer conectados con nosotros en forma virtual.
SECC seguirá equipando y apoyando a nuestros líderes y congregaciones, proporcionando recursos, capacitación y atención pastoral para satisfacer las necesidades físicas y espirituales de toda nuestra comunidad de fe.
Oramos para que el amor de Dios provea la ayuda necesaria para enfrentar y vencer el miedo (1 Juan 4:18), y que cada persona experimente la verdad expresada en Efesios 2:19, 22: que ya no somos extranjeros ni advenedizos, sino conciudadanos y miembros de la familia de Dios, siendo edificados juntos para ser morada de su Espíritu.
Que nosotros, como cuerpo de creyentes, abracemos la esperanza y experimentemos la sanidad y la justicia del evangelio tanto en nuestras palabras como también en nuestro testimonio.
Firmado,
Administración de la Conferencia del Sureste de California.
Esta declaración fue votada por el Comité Administrativo de la Conferencia Adventista del Séptimo Día del Sureste de California en Riverside, California, el 15 de julio de 2025
Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the passing of Elder Charles "Lorie" Purdey, who peacefully went to rest on June 13, 2025, at the age of 89.
Known for his kind spirit, joyful humor, and unwavering faith, Lorie served the Seventh-day Adventist Church for almost 60 years with deep devotion.
Ordained by his father in 1962, Purdey shared the gospel as both a minister and evangelistic singer, touching lives across the globe through mission work and music. Purdey began pastoring within the Southeastern California Conference in 1987 at several churches—including the Paradise Valley, San Diego Central, Redlands, and Campus Hill churches—before his retirement in 2014. In recent years, he was a beloved member of Loma Linda University Church.
He is survived by his loving wife, Julia, his sons Randy, Charles, and Corie, stepdaughters Christy, Lara, and Stephanie, along with 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Please keep his family and loved ones in your prayers.
All are welcome to join the family this month at his memorial service in celebrating a life of faith, love, and service.
July 19, 2025 | 3:30 p.m.
Loma Linda University SDA Church | Fellowship Hall
11125 Campus St.
Loma Linda, CA 92354
April 30, 2025
RIVERSIDE, CALIF.—Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is excited to announce Isaac Kim as the Interim Youth Director, effective April, 2025. He succeeds Aren Rennacker who served as conference Youth Director from December, 2019 before accepting a call to the Pacific Union Conference.
Kim has served within SECC for over 25 years in ministry, beginning at the Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist Church as Associate Pastor prior to leading our conference Family & Children’s ministry as an Associate Youth Director since December, 2021. He likes to work collaboratively with ministry teams, cheerleading ministry leaders, and creating space for people to share life together. Isaac and his two boys enjoy sports, both playing and watching. He strives to be the best dad that he can be by modeling the love of Jesus and believes that the message of the Gospel shows up in different ways in our journeys.
As Interim Youth Director, Kim will oversee conference Youth department operations, youth, young adult, family, and children ministry programs, and support church youth ministry leaders in various capacities.
Southeastern California Conference is excited to see how God continues to move within our youth ministries. Please join us in congratulating Isaac.
RIVERSIDE, Calif— From the SECC Ministerial department: Meshach Soli, associate ministerial director,
“To our Southeastern California Conference family,
We have served at the SECC in a variety of capacities for over 15 years. We have been truly blessed to minister to our local church, our families, our children, youth, and young adults, our clubs, our pastors, and our leaders. However, after much consideration, prayer, counsel, and doubling down on our family’s core values, we have accepted a call to serve as the new Executive Secretary and Ministerial Director for the Hawaii Conference beginning on June 1 of this summer.
We are so grateful for the years that we have been able to spend here in growing, leading, and ministering, and we just want to thank all of our family and friends for all the love and support that you have poured into the Soli tribe for many years. We also want to thank our administrators who have poured into us and believed in our leadership—I want to specifically thank Dr. Jonathan Park, our president, for not only his guidance, but his mentorship throughout the years; to Patty Marruffo who has also played a significant role in our ministry and journey, and of course to our Youth department and our Ministerial department.
Transition is hard, but we are excited to see how God is going to lead in this new season. The Bible says, “He who began a good work [in us] will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ,” (Phil. 1:16, ESV) and we look forward to your prayers to help sustain us and guide us in this transition.
This is not goodbye, this is, ‘see you later.’ We’re looking forward to growing our family and being a blessing overseas.
God bless, and aloha.”
Matt Hayes, CFO, John Crafter, president, Patty Marruffo, secretary, and Dante Marruffo, vice president of The Firehouse Family organization pose with their axes.
For the third year in a row, over two hundred firefighter families partook in the annual Firehouse Family Retreat. This year, hosted at Pine Springs Ranch from March 20-23, families enjoyed three and a half days of fellowship and activities for the entire family to enjoy. Patty Marruffo, Southeastern California Conference (SECC) executive secretary, and Dante Marruffo, senior pastor of Orange Coast church, serve as volunteer chaplains for the Riverside Fire Department. The idea for the event was born out of assessing a need when ministering to firefighters in active duty. They partnered with John Crater, fire chief for the Temecula Division, three years ago to support firefighters and their families. To their success, the Southeastern California Conference along with the Pacific Union Conference, the City of Temecula, and a number of other organizations, helped sponsor the event for a third year.
Patty Marruffo and John Crater share a hug.
The Firehouse Family is a registered non-profit organization that seeks to provide resources and relief to firefighters and their families. In the March 27 Executive Committee meeting held by SECC, Chief John Crater shared a personal testimony to the executive body about his experience as a firefighter and the impact the event has had on his family. "I am incredibly grateful to my friends, Patty and Dante, and to this body for your support of this event," Crater said. Bradford Newton, president of the Pacific Union Conference was in attendance at the meeting. Chief Crater presented an engraved axe, dedicated to the Pacific Union Conference, in gratitude of their support.
Elder Brad Newton is presented with the Pacific Union axe.
Plans are already underway for the next Firehouse Family Retreat on March 19-22, 2026. To learn more about the Firehouse Family, visit www.thefirehousefamily.org/home.
The Firehouse Family is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Pastor James (Jim) Clizbe on March 12, 2025. He is now resting in Jesus.
With 45 years serving the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Clizbe spent his career both in education and church ministry. He served in a number of conferences including the Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia-Cumberland, Columbia Union, Ohio, Texas, and Southern California before retiring within the Southeastern California Conference (SECC). His experience has led him to working as an elementary teacher, dean, principal, and superintendent, before accepting a call to serve as an associate pastor at the La Sierra University Church in 2005 before the end of his employment in 2007. He concluded his service within the Riverside County Sheriff’s department as a chaplain.
Southeastern California Conference expresses its gratitude for Pastor Clizbe and years of service as an educator and leader. Please keep his family and loved ones in your prayers.
Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Anthony Paschal, Sr. Pastor Paschal served within the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) for many years. He led as the Vice President for Black Ministries, and also pastored the Kansas Avenue and 16th Street SDA Churches. Before coming to SECC, he pastored in Southern California Conference and served as a chaplain in Los Angeles.
We solicit your prayers for his family and for the many people his life and ministry impacted. His services will take place in Dallas, Texas on March 31, 2025. A memorial service is being planned within the Southern California region in April.
Flowers can be sent to:
Skyvue Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens
7220 Rendon Bloodworth Rd.
Mansfield, TX 76063
Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elder Gerald Penick, Sr., who passed away on Friday morning, March 7, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children in Alvarado, Texas.
Elder Penick was born on October 1, 1944, in Topeka, Kansas, where his father pastored. Beginning at age 4, Gerald displayed his musical talent, playing the piano and adding the organ soon after. He led choirs by age 13. He graduated from Oakwood College in 1970, where he met the love of his life, Linda Penick.
Elder Penick’s ministry journey included being the organist for C.D. Brooks and E.E. Cleveland. He began his pastoral ministry in the South Central Conference, Central States Conference, and Allegheny West Conference before he joined the Southeastern California Conference. In Allegheny West, he finished building the Southeast SDA Church in Cleveland, OH. At Kansas Avenue, he held several evangelistic series to plant the Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church, leading baptisms at the Union for several years.
After pastoring the Kansas Avenue and 31st Street churches, he transitioned into the conference office. There, he served as Vice President of Black Ministries, where he created the Black Adventist Ministerial Fellowship (BAMF) and established the Black Ministries camp meeting, which was open to all churches. Over the course of 25 years, he held key positions including Vice President, Executive Secretary, and served as President for Southeastern California Conference from 2005-2012.
As president, Elder Penick’s leadership created an indelibly tangible impact within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Jonathan Park, current president of SECC shares, “under Elder Penick's leadership, Elder Sandra Roberts became the first female Executive Secretary and later the first female president of a conference in the North American Division. I have always appreciated his extraordinary way he welcomed me into the conference office and his willingness to listen and impart his wisdom.”
Though Elder Penick’s leadership in administration was invaluable, his dream was always to return to pastoral ministry after leaving the office. He worked another six years in local congregational leadership. He served as Executive Pastor at Garden Grove (now OC Grace), served as Interim Pastor at several congregations, and concluding his years of ministry at Arden Hills in 2018 and OC Grace in 2019.
We are deeply grateful for Elder Penick’s many years of faithful service to the Southeastern California Conference and his unwavering commitment to ministry. He was well-loved for his gifted piano and organ playing, and his smile and laughter brightened the lives of many. His love for Jesus and his passionate energy for service left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Elder Penick is survived by his beloved wife, Linda, his adult children Gerald Penick, Jr. (Terri), Eric (Tanisha), Anthony (Johanna), and seven grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.
Please keep his family and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time.
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Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pastor Bernard Taylor. He passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, and is now at rest in Jesus. A memorial service for Dr. Taylor will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Loma Linda University Church. All are welcome to attend his memorial service.
Dr. Taylor taught biblical languages at La Sierra University beginning in the early 1990s until 2021. Upon accepting appointment as Associate Pastor of the Loma Linda University Church in 1990, Dr. Taylor also joined La Sierra University’s School of Religion as Collaborating Professor of Biblical Languages and Old Testament Theology—a position he held until 2021. During these years he regularly led La Sierra's pastoral ministry students into a thorough knowledge of the biblical languages of classical Hebrew and Koiné Greek, as well as into Ecclesiastical Latin, and the theological thought of the Hebrew scriptures. The publication of his Analytical Lexicon to the Septuagint (Zondervan 1994; rev. 2009) marked his thoroughgoing scholarship and lasting contribution to the field of scriptural linguistics. Accordingly, graduates of La Sierra who applied for admission into graduate programs in pastoral ministry at the SDA Theological Seminary and other advanced institutions found ready acceptance; their knowledge of the biblical languages was consistently strong.
Another significant part of Dr. Taylor's public ministry during these years was his regular participation over a couple of decades and more, as a panelist on "Searching for Answers," the popular weekly telecast on Loma Linda Broadcasting Network, with world-wide viewership. His spiritual insights into biblical teachings, arising from his thorough linguistic knowledge that were delivered in terms that spoke to the Christian lives of ordinary laypeople (often with a touch of his gentle trademark humor), contributed definitively to the program's success.
Please keep his family and his loved ones in prayer.
Memorial Service for Dr. Bernard Taylor
March 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Loma Linda University Church
11125 Campus St.
Loma Linda, CA 92354
Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pastor David Perez Torpoco. He passed away January 27, 2025, and is now resting in Jesus. Originally from Huancayo, Peru, he received his education at Colegio Unión and pastored for 25 years before beginning his ministry in the United States.
Pastor Perez was a servant of God, the church, a beloved husband and father that left a legacy of inspiration. He is best remembered as being present and intentional with those he loved and served.
Before his retirement, Perez served in Orange County, assisting with a colporteur ministry, leading bible studies, and pastoring the Brawley, Indio Spanish, Lake Elsinore, Temecula, and La Sierra Spanish churches.
Southeastern California Conference is grateful for the many years of service to our Church and his commitment to ministry. He brought a spirit full of love for Jesus and passionate energy of service to others.
He leaves behind his wife Elizabeth and his children, Sam, Areli, Aurora, his 4 grandchildren Bernard, Amanda, Ariana, and Elias. A service will be held on February 9, 2025, at the La Sierra Spanish church.
Please keep his family and his loved ones in prayer.
