January 30, 2025 | Columbia, MD
From the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church: An Appeal for Human Dignity and Decency
There are many in the United States who are afraid for their futures, and for the lives of family members. As a Christian denomination in the U.S., the Seventh-day Adventist Church supports the rights of all persons, no matter their country of origin—the equal rights provided in the U.S. Constitution and fair treatment as immigrants and refugees in this country.
As members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we believe that “we are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation” (Fundamental Belief No.14).
“We maintain our allegiance to the biblical principles of equality and dignity of all human beings in the face of historic and continuing attempts to use skin color, place of origin, caste, or perceived lineage as a pretext for oppressive and dominating behavior. These attempts are a denial of our shared humanity, and we deplore all such aggression and prejudice as an offense to God” (Seventh-day Adventist Church statement “One Humanity: A Human Relations Statement Addressing Racism, Casteism, Tribalism, and Ethnocentrism”).
The Bible declares that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female—all are one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28). We are one humanity. Dehumanization and margination by law or the implementation of the laws or policies are diametrically opposed to the Bible. Therefore, it is inhumane and robs people of their God-given dignity in Christ to have policies that make them afraid to go to church and school because of the threat of being deported.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America encourages its churches and schools to be warm and welcoming places for all people. All are created by God and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
In light of the fact that we have a shared humanity, in light of the fact we all are created equal, in light of the fact we should love our neighbor as ourselves, and in light of the fact that Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40, NIV), our appeal is for us, as Adventists, to show our immigrant families that we love them by lifting up our voices and standing by their side in these times of uncertainty.
Our appeal to our policymakers and government leaders is found in The Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (p. 92): “All are in search of wholeness. All are gifted, needed, and treasured. All are created in the image of God with an inherent dignity regardless of any limitation they may have.” Therefore, let our laws and the implementation of our laws treat all of God’s children, who are created in His image, with the dignity and decency they deserve.
Sincerely,
G. Alexander Bryant, DMin
President
Kyoshin Ahn, PhD
Executive Secretary
Judy Glass
Treasurer/CFO
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pastor Daniel Skoretz. He passed away Wednesday afternoon, January 15, 2025, with his wife and children by his side in Grand Terrace, California. After 97 years, he is now at rest in Jesus.
Pastor Skoretz served the Seventh-day Adventist Church for many years through faithful service. He started his career in Canada, serving as pastor in the Prince Albert district and Edmonton churches. He then served as a departmental director in the Alberta Conference and the Ontario/Quebec Conference. After earning his MA in Education, he taught at Canadian Union College in the theology department. After earning an MPH at Loma Linda University, he taught at the School of Public Health and then worked in the Ministerial department and Health department of the General Conference. Returning to pastoral work in the Southeastern California Conference he pastored the Hemet church during the construction of their present church complex. In retirement he served part time at the Crestline, Homeland and Mentone churches. He served the Adventist Church as an employee for 73 years with 40 years of pastoral ministry. Most recently, he pastored at the Mentone and Homeland churches as associate pastor before his retirement in 2024.
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 Elaine and his adult children, DonnaLee (Lehmann), Sherlynne (Will), Randall, Robert, and 10grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Please keep his family and his loved ones in prayer.
This past October, the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) ordained Eugene “Gene” Oswald at OCGrace Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he serves as a pastor focused on family and children’s ministries.
Oswald’s journey began as a young boy, age six, when he started volunteering at church by speaking during services and helping with children’s stories. His involvement in church services and outreach laid the foundation for a life dedicated to ministry and ignited his passion for serving others. Oswald remarks, “Jesus is the greatest teacher, and using His parables and lessons has always been the inspiration behind my ministry.”
At age 12, Oswald led his first Bible study with Mrs. Doty, who later became a family friend. Seeing her baptized left a lasting impression on him and marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to spiritual mentorship. “From there, I would teach Sabbath School, speak in church…and become a youth leader in Pathfinders,” Oswald shares.
Over the years, Oswald’s ministry evolved. He taught for over four decades, served as a youth leader, and led numerous initiatives from children’s church to the “Pass It On” conference. “God can use you in mighty ways no matter your profession or situation,” he says. His path, often unconventional, has been driven by a commitment to following God’s call, whether in a classroom or from the pulpit.
Oswald’s wife, Valerie, and their four children have been integral to his ministry, often joining him in church activities. “How can you minister to anyone if you cannot minister to your family, friends, and neighbors?” he reflects. He is proud that his children and grandchildren are active in the church, continuing a legacy of faith.
On retirement, Oswald notes, “Only He knows what that will be. I look forward to whatever the future holds, but it will be a continued walk with Jesus.”
As Oswald embarks on this new chapter, SECC celebrates his ordination and the dedication he brings to his ministry. His passion for guiding others in faith exemplifies his calling to spread Christ’s love in his community and beyond. His journey is a reminder that faith can lead us to extraordinary places, no matter where we start. Whether you're leading a congregation, mentoring a young person, or simply serving those around you, his story is an example of inspiring those around us to walk in faith.
Congratulations to Pastor Gene on his ordination!
Danielle Berumen and Gabriel Morales Ordained to the Gospel Ministry
By Danni Thaw
This past May and June, the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) ordained two pastors: Danielle Berumen and Gabriel Morales.
Pastor Danielle Berumen serves as the Children’s and Family Ministry pastor at Calimesa church. She began her full-time pastoral career in April 2016 and joined Calimesa in March 2022.
Pastor Berumen holds a bachelor’s degree from La Sierra University and a master’s from Andrews University. Her journey into ministry began in college when she felt a clear call from God, shifting her path from pre-med to pastoral ministry.
"My ordination was more special than I anticipated it would be. It was so meaningful to be affirmed and encouraged," said Pastor Berumen. Her multicultural background and bilingual abilities allow her to minister to a diverse community.
Pastor Berumen views her role as holding the door open for all people to encounter Jesus. She loves spending time with her family, including her husband, Manuel “Manny” Berumen, and their two children, Eiza (4) and Judah (2).
Pastor Gabriel Morales, who serves as the young adult and media pastor at Azure Hills church in Grand Terrace, California, also brings a rich cultural heritage to his ministry. He began his current role in February 2023.
A graduate of Antillean Adventist University in Puerto Rico and Andrews University, Pastor Morales helps collegiates and young professionals deepen their relationship with Jesus and creates meaningful worship experiences through multimedia platforms.
"What’s significant about ordination is the affirmation and support received from my community," shared Pastor Morales. "For me, I have always been convinced of my calling. Ordination is just a public expression of what God has already been doing through me."
Drawing from his Puerto Rican roots, Pastor Morales incorporates the warmth and hospitality of his culture into his pastoral approach. He enjoys running, drinking delicious cafecito, rooting for New York sports teams, and spending time with loved ones.
SECC is blessed to celebrate the ordination of these dedicated pastors, who enrich their communities and spread the love of Jesus Christ. Congratulations to both!
