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A Response to the Joint Proposal

The North American Division has received and reviewed the Joint Proposal of Individual La

Sierra University Faculty and Trustees. The officers of the division are very supportive of the

dialog that has taken place with the LSU biology faculty and several trustees and we would

encourage a stronger commencement of discussion regarding the concepts contained in the JointProposal. We are in general agreement with your core principles:

I. Affirmation and incorporation of the Biblical concept of creation, including the Seventh-day Adventist understanding of Genesis 1 and 2, as a faith position at the classroom

level, when questions of origins are discussed.

II. Continued teaching and research in the various disciplines of the modern Biologicalsciences according to the most-up-to-date rigorous standards of the published

science, to which we contribute as practicing scientists and active faculty, including

the data which highlight the strengths and weaknesses of various models.

It is understood that in an academic setting modern science and faith-based creationism are both

frameworks that need thorough exploration and definition to ensure that our conversations are

based on mutual understanding of those terms and the implications surrounding them. Also,

although the two frameworks are different, they are not individual silos in which we are able to

work, without relating to the other framework.

It has always been the position of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America that we

want all of our institutions of higher learning to uphold the highest levels of academics including

rigorous science, as defined in section II above. At the same time we support your affirmation of

the Seventh-day Adventist position on creation, which is a literal six-day, short-term creation.While we understand the tensions that exist between these positions, the most important values

that we hold together are the students faith and its expression as they leave our institutions.

The NAD is committed to hosting a summit of participating scientists, theologians, and biblical

scholars in Adventist higher education to further the dialog and to clarify how to strengthen the

faith maturity of our students while providing comprehensive science education. This summit

should not be a time of debate over the wording of a position or statement, but should be held in

a protected environment to openly discuss how to best move forward within the context of the

natural tension between science and a faith-based creation position. We believe this is not only

an issue at LSU, but is a broader issue that needs to be considered by the highest levels of theAdventist Church, involving all institutions in NAD.

We commend the individuals who have drafted and signed this important proposal. Open dialog

and conversation is the only method to resolve controversy and to move forward as an

organization. The proposal is a major step forward in that conversation and with prayer and

continued diligence is the basis for more direct resolution of the ongoing controversy

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surrounding LSU. Thank you for your willingness to open a channel of communication and to

work together on behalf of all students in Adventist schools in NAD.