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• UN Liaison Director Interviewed by Channel 1 on Afghanistan Situation
• Adventist US State Legislator Visits UN Liaison Office in New York

UN Liaison Director Interviewed by Channel 1 on Afghanistan Situation

Channel 1 TV interviewed United Nations Liaison director Dr. Jonathan Gallagher on August 27 regarding the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and its implications for religious freedom.

"With the detention of aid workers on charges of encouraging conversion to Christianity illustrate the challenges to religious freedom posed by the Taliban regime in Afghanistan," Gallagher stated. "This is just another instance of the repressive control of religious matters in the country, and follows an earlier edict that imposes the death penalty on those who convert from Islam."

In addition, the regime has also targeted minorities, requiring them to wear distinguishing labels in a manner that has invited comparison to Hitler's treatment of the Jews. Earlier this year the destruction of ancient Buddhist statues also brought worldwide condemnation.

"This interview provided a useful opportunity to highlight ongoing religious freedom concerns that are totally in opposition to the clear requirements of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," Gallagher concluded. "The target audience of this programming is high school students, and such examples well illustrate the vital need to monitor and highlight such flagrant violations. The cause of religious liberty demands that we speak out and defend the fundamental right of freedom of conscience."

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Rep. Pendleton with his wife Noemi in the UN General Assembly hall

Adventist US State Legislator Visits UN Liaison Office in New York

Representative David Pendleton, Representative of the State Legislature in Hawaii and also Minority Leader, visited the UN Liaison Office in New York August 6.

Pendleton, who is also a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, spoke of his great interest in matters of religious freedom and the importance of involvement in high-level forums such as state government and the United Nations.

Rep. Pendleton (L) with Dr. Gallagher, UN Liaison director. The UN Secretariat building is visible in the background.

Asked about his positions as both a legislator and a pastor, Pendle said that he believed his convictions on the separation of church and state meant that he was able to contribute to both roles more effectively, emphasizing the vital importance of freedom of conscience and religious liberty.

During his visit, Pendleton gave a TV interview that will be aired later as part of a special program on Adventist involvement in government and the Church's continued commitment to supporting areas of vital concern, including fundamental human rights, education, health, and humanitarian aid--all of which find a corresponding emphasis at the United Nations.

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