A public acknowledgement
The Seventh-day Adventist Church - South Pacific Division has publicly acknowledged that historically it failed to adequately protect our children and vulnerable people from abuse.
Australia
The work of the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has highlighted the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the life-long effects it has on victims. More information regarding the outcomes from the royal commission and it's recommendations can be found on the Royal Commission into Insitutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse website.
In March 2018, an apology was issued in Australia by Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders and in May 2024 leaders signed a Statement of Commitment reflecting the National Principles of Safe Organisations. Church organisations around Australia followed in agreement signing their individual Statement of Commitment in united support for a Church where abuse has no place.
Read the Church's Australian apology.
New Zealand
In August 2019, Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders in New Zealand issued an apology to those impacted by sexual and physical abuse in the past.
In 2024, the New Zealand Royal Commission of Inquiry into abuse and neglect of children, young people, and adults in care, concluded its final report with recommendations. Our Church, along with other related sector organisations providing services to children and young people, await the New Zealand Government’s plan for implementing the recommendations. However, since 2012 we have provided safeguarding, survivor services and investigative responses in New Zealand aligned with current best practise for the sector.
Read the Church's New Zealand apology.