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Canadian Prime Minister Sends Special Message of Greeting to Adventist World Session
July 3, 2000
Toronto, Canada .... [Michelle G. Roberts/ Jonathan Gallagher]
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The General Conference Session was graced by the presence of yet another celebrity when Member of the Canadian Parliament for Mississauga East, Albina Guarmieri, brought greetings from the Canadian government and the Prime Minister of Canada, Jean Chretien.
“We have great appreciation for the inspiring message of this conference session,” said Guarmieri. “Although I am a Roman Catholic member of parliament,” she continued, “I am familiar with your church throughout Canada.”
Guarmieri received enthusiastic applause when she stated, “Adventists have lived eight years longer than the average American—an astonishing testament to the connection between body and soul.”
Words of welcome from the Prime Minister were conveyed to the Session in both English and Italian by Guarmieri. “Events such as these offer you a wonderful opportunity to reflect on your church, while setting goals for the future,” said the message. “From its very beginnings, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has served as both a place of worship and a center of social activity and mutual support. As you gather together in Toronto, may you take great pride in the heritage of your spiritual community . . . May the strength of your faith continue to guide you in the years to come.”
Guarmieri then presented Adventist Church president Jan Paulsen with a miniature glass edition, and he thanked her in response.
In an exclusive interview with Adventist News Network, Guarmieri commented on her role and expressed her appreciation of the Church.
“I was honored to represent the Prime Minister here tonight and to read his special message of greeting to this World Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church,” says Guarnieri. “I am very impressed by the Church and have a number of Adventist friends. I have had the privilege of visiting the Canadian Union College and appreciated the youthful exuberance of the future leaders I see emerging there. I see in Adventists a people with a strong sense of commitment, purpose, and serenity–together with a good sense of humor. More Canadians could share such values as principled individuals with a sense of devotion to the community and a higher calling.”
Following is the transcript of the Canadian Prime Minister's letter presented to the GC Session:
"I am delighted to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending the 57th Session of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I would also like to welcome all of the international delegates who have travelled to Toronto to take part in what will surely be an enriching and interesting series of sessions.
Events such as these offer you a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the history of your church, while setting goals for the future. From its very beginnings, the Seventh-day Adventist church has served as both a place of worship and a centre of social activity and mutual support. As you gather together in Toronto, you may take great pride in the heritage of your spiritual community.
Please accept my best wishes for a most memorable celebration. May the strength of your faith continue to guide you in the years to come."
Jean Chretien |
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