SILVER SPRING, Maryland--Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Worldwide Church of God met for the first time at the Adventist Church World Headquarters in Silver Spring, June 26.
The historic meeting came about because of interest on the part of the leadership of both denominations to discuss their mutual beliefs in light of doctrinal changes in the Worldwide Church of God.
Robert S. Folkenberg, Seventh-day Adventist Church world president, and Pastor General Joseph Tkach led the delegations, which included representatives of both church's departments and administrative staff. Attending with Mr. Tkach were Mr. Albrecht; Randal Dick, assistant director of Church Administration International; and Tom Lapacka, manager of church relations.
In welcoming guests, Pastor Folkenberg said: "It's with a great deal of Christian compassion that I view what the Worldwide Church of God has gone through." He also said, "We have appreciated your willingness to come and so openly share with us. We have a better understanding of the depth of changes in the Worldwide Church of God and how it sees itself in the wider Christian community. One thing we need to hold high is Christ and salvation through him."
"We've always thought of the Seventh-day Adventists as spiritual cousins," Mr. Tkach said, "but now we see you as brothers. We share a mutual church history and we have been so very appreciative of the welcome and the fellowship we have had with you."
"I hope for two things," said Pastor Folkenberg. "One is that it be known that we had a positive and productive fellowship, and second, that we can have another meeting so that we might have more time to more fully explore one another's beliefs and mission."
The one-day meeting included several presentations by representatives of the two churches covering issues of theology, mission and organization.
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