PARL Summit Explores Prophecy, Politics and Liberty

SHREVEPORT, ARK. – From Nov. 20-24, the Southwestern Union, under the leadership of Stephen Brooks, executive secretary, organized the first union-wide Public Affairs & Religious Liberty (PARL) Summit. The event took place at the Shreveport South Seventh-day Adventist Church, with nearly 200 in attendance.

The goal for the event was for participants to become well-informed in three areas: authentic Adventist eschatology, public affairs and the Adventist understanding of religious liberty. 

Presenters explored prophetic themes, such as America in prophecy, the time of trouble and Sunday laws. Speakers from Southwestern Adventist University’s religion department, Jorge Rico and Joaquim Azevedo, along with Pedro L. Cortés, pastor for the Hot Springs Spanish District, examined these end-time events from both historical and biblical perspectives.

The summit also addressed community engagement and public affairs. Jennifer Gray Woods, Lake Union PARL director, moderated a panel discussing the relationship between church and government. Tony Anobile, Southwestern Union vice president for ministries, and Edward Woods III, Lake Region Conference PARL director, joined Brooks to highlight the importance of advocacy. Practical sessions offered attendees strategies for engaging with civic leaders and fostering meaningful dialogue on religious freedom.

Plenaries and panels covered a range of pressing topics, including workplace accommodation issues, religious legislative challenges, Christian nationalism and the church’s role in advocacy. “We’re living in challenging times when it comes to many issues at the intersection of faith, politics, law and culture,” said Bettina Krause, editor of Liberty magazine. She reaffirmed the publication’s commitment to religious freedom, while Melissa Reid, North American Division PARL associate director, provided the latest updates on government affairs. Brooks led an open discussion, urging participants to actively defend and promote religious liberty within their communities.

The pinnacle of the event was the Sabbath morning service, where 3ABN Director for World Evangelism John Lomacang spoke about Bible prophecy in relation to recent events.

The summit profoundly impacted attendees, prompting deep reflection and a shift in perspectives. “People have shared how their eyes have been opened, calling the experience revolutionary and describing how it captured their minds and imaginations,” said Brooks. “We hope this enthusiasm will spread to local congregations, leading to strong and vibrant PARL ministries at the local church.” 

The Southwestern Union is planning a second PARL summit for 2026 to take place in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

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