Indonesia Forms the First Adventist Lawyers and Notaries Association in the Region
18 October 2024|
The West Indonesia Union Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted over 200 Adventist legal professionals from Indonesia and the Philippines on October 5-8. The goal was to formulate the region’s first Adventist Lawyers and Notaries Association.
Adventist churches in Jatinegara and Jambrut hosted the historic event. Nelson Paulo, religious liberty director for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), and Gizelle Lou Cabahug-Fugoso, a lawyer from the Philippines, led the convention, citing Matthew 28:19-20, the verses which anchored the event theme “Chosen for Mission.”
Throughout the event, lawyers, notaries, and legal advocates were reminded to uphold integrity and pursue justice as a continuation of Christ’s ministry. The legal profession was hailed as an active mission field where participants must apply ethical compassion.
This was an encouraging start for new members of the first Adventist Lawyers and Notaries Association. The association is the first of its kind for the region, with elected leaders dedicating their four-year terms to supporting and guiding Adventists in the legal profession.
In an article for Adventist Review, event organizers stated,
“Establishing these associations provides the Adventist community with a unified voice to uphold and advocate for its doctrinal beliefs, particularly in settings where faith intersects with professional and public life. Through these associations, church members gain a structured support system, empowering them to strengthen connections with the broader community and engage in dialogue that is both inclusive and respectful. This approach not only upholds the church’s dedication to religious liberty and ethical integrity but also fosters meaningful discussions about faith, values, and mutual respect, fostering a peaceful atmosphere that facilitates the sharing and understanding of Adventist beliefs.”
