I Appealed for Grace—and Found None

In a church that increasingly embraces the evangelical theology of grace, grace, grace—I appealed for grace, and yet none was given.

I appealed to some of our newly elected general vice presidents—leaders who will likely serve on or work alongside the General Conference Administrative Committee (ADCOM), the third-highest governing body of our church—and still, I found no grace.

To understand the weight of this moment, we must understand the structure. The General Conference Session (GC Session) is our highest authority, followed by the General Conference Executive Committee (GC ExCom), and beneath them, the General Conference Administrative Committee (ADCOM). It was ADCOM that authored the 2015 document on vaccinations—without GC Session approval—that made it difficult for many members to receive vaccine exemptions on the basis of religious liberty. And just days ago, we learned that this same document was quietly revised—or, as Ted Wilson said, they found the right copy—again without input from the broader church body. Once more, ADCOM acted alone, showing it has the authority to unilaterally revise its documents.

So naturally, on Sunday, July 6, 2025, when I met some of the newly elected general vice presidents—those who have the authority to shape ADCOM and revise its documents—I appealed for a simple act of grace. I appealed to ADCOM, not the general session of delegates, for a small revision. A compassionate accommodation for members who sought religious exemptions at their jobs, schools, and other situations but were denied because of the 2015 document on vaccinations. I was appealing on behalf of members who serve faithfully, believe deeply, but who suffered real pain.

I appealed to a church known globally for its humanitarian aid, compassion, and tireless advocacy for religious liberty. But for its own? There was none.

I appealed to a church that so often preaches love, mercy, and grace—hoping it might extend a measure of that grace to its own. But none was given.

I left that press conference sorrowful and deeply troubled in spirit. As I walked the hallways of the session, I prayed. I prayed even more as I encountered friends and supporters who follow us online. I asked the Lord to help me hide my emotions and relieve me of my sorrow.

Let me tell you this, my fellow Seventh-day Adventist: the Lord will never withhold grace. He will never stop extending mercy, compassion, and strength to those who seek Him. Whatever crisis we may face, if we remain connected to Him, only He will carry us through. He alone has promised to keep us in the days to come if we will trust in Him.

Jesus says with assurance, “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Revelation 3:10.

Stay faithful. Stay grounded. The grace that may fail you here on earth will never fail you when it comes from above.