Rumors Regarding ADRA Are Addressed at the Spring EXCOM Meeting
21 April 2025 |
General Conference president Ted Wilson addressed three major points regarding the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) during the Spring Meeting of the General Conference Executive Committee (EXCOM).
Firstly, a heartfelt farewell was extended to former ADRA President Michael Kruger. Although Kruger is moving on to a new position in Adventist HealthCare, he leaves behind a legacy of dedicated leadership within the organization, which is greatly appreciated.
The second point discussed was a more painful change within ADRA that is expected to have global implications. In an article in the Adventist Review, Wilson stated that due to “certain developments here with the United States government,” many programs, not only those of ADRA but also those of numerous non-governmental organizations that serve humanitarian purposes, are now at risk due to budget reductions.
Wilson specifically referred to the collapse of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The loss of government support for humanitarian aid presents a significant financial challenge for organizations such as ADRA. He explained that USAID funds have been crucial for sustaining “the infrastructure and framework of ADRA’s work globally.”
Recently, the financial status of ADRA has become the subject of unfounded rumors and allegations. Claims have circulated on social media and in unreliable publications, suggesting that ADRA is involved in illegal immigration, that board members’ salaries have doubled, and that the organization’s president earns an inflated salary in the millions.
While many other faith-based organizations have faced similar gossip, ADRA had not been the target of such misinformation until recently. Kruger and Wilson addressed the false claims one by one. According to the Adventist Review article, Kruger acknowledged that “ADRA does work with migrants and people on the move,” emphasizing, “These are some of the most desperate people on the planet.” He shared that the largest intervention assisting migrants occurred in Ukraine, where millions fled west to escape war. ADRA collaborates with agencies and governments to support displaced families and individuals. However, he firmly stated, “The accusation that ADRA works basically as a ‘coyote’ at the southern border of the United States is patently false. It’s not the way that we work; it’s not what we do.”
The rumor about double salaries stemmed from misinterpretations of the 990 tax return form filed by ADRA in the United States. Allegations regarding the president’s salary were also proven false by Kruger. Such untruths can negatively impact the reputation of the organization, particularly in terms of losing the trust of donors, which is even more critical given the recent funding cuts.
Paulo Lopes, the newly appointed ADRA president, was formally introduced to the committee. While he acknowledged the agency’s challenges, Lopes remained focused on faith and the mission ahead. “We are not intimidated by [the current challenges], because we have a great God,” he said. “The One who owns ADRA, the One who has always provided for ADRA . . . will keep providing in the future.”
