Be Counted on Alcohol Reform
The position of the SDA Church in regard to alcohol is one of total abstinence as stated clearly in the 22nd Fundamental Belief of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. However, this hasn’t stopped the SDA Church from being at the forefront of promoting legislation that can reduce the harmful effects of alcohol on society. For example, on October 11, 1992 the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church released a statement which began, "From the very inception of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, temperance has been a major focus and the church has played a key role in struggling against the inroads of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and other drugs."
Now, in 2010, with the release of Sir Geoffrey Palmer’s Law Commission’s final report, (Alcohol In Our Lives: Curbing the Harm), and it’s recommendations for the review of the adequacy of our current liquor licensing laws, NZ has arrived at a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity to make decisions which will have a huge impact on our worrying alcohol culture.
Sir Geoffrey’s report recommends that eventually alcohol sponsorship and advertising be banned, but MP’s will need strong encouragement to do this since there will be huge resistance.
Following on from the Law Commission Report it is anticipated that legislation will be introduced into Parliament within the next couple of months dealing with alcohol sales, advertising, pricing, alcohol blood levels and purchasing age.
A number of groups in New Zealand, campaigning for a better society with regard to alcohol, have come together under the banner of the 5+ Solution. The 5+ Solution contains recommendations to Parliament for proposed legislation. While the SDA Church maintains its total abstinence stance, please read through the recommendations from the 5+ group below, then add your support to encourage your MP to support these changes.
For More Information
www.alcoholaction.co.nz
www.ourturn2shout.blogspot.com
Record Article