ADOPTED - FEBRUARY 26, 2008

Agenda Item No. 5

Introduced by the County Services Committee of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING BETHEL SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH ON THE EVENT OF THEIR PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DAY

RESOLUTION #08-037

WHEREAS, the Seventh-day Adventist Church was founded in the Township of Washington, New Hampshire in 1844; and 

WHEREAS, the Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrates a history that has emphasized "freedom", as it welcomes and grows from diversity within its membership; and

WHEREAS, since its beginning, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has defended religious freedom for all, as a result, under its patronage several religious liberty associations have been established; and

WHEREAS, since 1901, the Department of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty  has represented the Seventh-day Adventist Church to governments, religious bodies, and international organizations by supporting, protecting and defending religious freedom and human rights for all people everywhere; and

WHEREAS, on Saturday, March 1, 2008, Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church will be holding their annual Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Day -- the theme for the day is "Standing Our Ground for Religious Freedom"; and

WHEREAS, the annual Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Day provides Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church with an opportunity to recognize and respect the various faith communities in our society, advocate for the protection of religious freedom for people, as well as encourage public officials and community leaders to continue to support religious liberty.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners hereby congratulates Pastor Eric D. Thomas, Minister of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, Edward Woods, III and the entire congregation of Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church on the event of their annual Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Day.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board appreciates the contributions they have made to the community and wishes them continued success in all of their future endeavors.   

COUNTY SERVICES:  Yeas:  Nolan, De Leon, Copedge, Soule, Grebner, Severino 

   Nays:    None        Absent:  None        Approved 2/19/08