This issue is dedicated to the principle of religious freedom and liberty of conscience. I was reminded last year while attending National Day of Prayer services in Washington, D.C., that Adventists have been in the forefront of protecting religious liberty for all. One of the speakers, upon discovering I am a Seventh-day Adventist, personally expressed his appreciation and stated the Christian Church owes Seventh-day Adventists a debt of gratitude for championing the cause of religious freedom for over a century while others were sitting on the sidelines.

We trust this issue will encourage us to be more faithful in our commitment to safeguard not only our own liberty, but to understand and follow more closely this fundamental principle in God's kingdom.