In Indonesia, Seventh-day Adventists Launch Professional Legal Association

The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s West Indonesia Union Mission hosted nearly 200 Adventist legal experts from Indonesia and the Philippines October 5-8. The goal was to establish the Adventist Lawyers and Notaries Association, a brand-new mission-driven organization in the area.

Centered on the theme “Chosen for Mission,” participants committed to upholding religious liberty and advancing the gospel throughout the western part of the country, aiming to serve as advocates of both faith and justice.

Nelson Paulo, religious liberty director for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), and Gizelle Lou Cabahug-Fugoso, a lawyer from the Philippines, spearheaded the convention, which took place at Adventist churches in Jatinegara and Jambrut. They delivered encouraging remarks on the unique role of Adventist legal professionals in their countries.

On Friday evening, Cabahug-Fugoso emphasized that all lawyers, notaries, and legal advocates are chosen to uphold integrity in their work and serve as representatives of Christ in their communities. With a theme text from Matthew 28:19-20, she encouraged attendees to adopt a “sense of responsibility” for sharing the gospel.

Delegates and members of the Jambrut church community found inspiration in the Saturday (Sabbath) program, which offered fresh perspectives on ministry in the workplace. The convention’s core message called everyone to embrace the mission wholeheartedly, upholding moral integrity as faithful representatives of God’s work in this generation.

Evin Villaruben, a lawyer who is SSD assistant to the treasurer and legal officer, emphasized again that every legal professional present and every church member is “chosen to serve in mission.” He underscored the need for Adventist lawyers and notaries to lead with integrity and compassion.

The gathering culminated in the historic formation of the first Adventist Lawyers and Notaries Association, a pioneering organization in the region. Leaders elected for the 2024-2028 term will guide the association as it serves as a dedicated platform for Adventist legal professionals to uphold biblical values in their practice and support the church’s mission of sharing the gospel, organizers behind the initiative said.

“Establishing these associations provides the Adventist community with a unified voice to uphold and advocate for its doctrinal beliefs, particularly in settings where faith intersects with professional and public life,” leaders said. “Through these associations, church members gain a structured support system, empowering them to strengthen connections with the broader community and engage in dialogue that is both inclusive and respectful. This approach not only upholds the church’s dedication to religious liberty and ethical integrity but also fosters meaningful discussions about faith, values, and mutual respect, fostering a peaceful atmosphere that facilitates the sharing and understanding of Adventist beliefs.”

Paulo affirmed the association’s missional focus in his concluding remarks. “The mission of Adventist lawyers, notaries, and legal professionals extends beyond providing legal assistance. Christ calls us to serve the church, support its members, and reach out to those in need. Above all, God has chosen us to spread the gospel message throughout the world,” he said.

The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.