Rare Disclaimer from Sabbath School Quarterly Addresses Domestic Violence
5 May 2025 |
Andrews University graduate student Esther Caro pushed for a potentially life-changing disclaimer.
On Sunday’s lesson in the Sabbath School quarterly titled “Images from Marriage” (April 12-18), it ends with,
“Here are three principles for marriage. First, forgive your spouse, however undeserving, just as Christ forgives us, however undeserving. Second, accept your spouse, faults and all. Third, just as Christ put us before Himself, put your spouse before yourself. How could all three of these gospel-based principles help us not only to understand how God relates to us but also to help any marriage?”
This advice is generally sound. Except when dealing with domestic abuse.
Having witnessed domestic violence in childhood and studying mental health counseling, Caro recognized the potential harm of such messages. So did others. A Facebook group of pastors and ministerial spouses discussed these implications, noting that advice from trusted, faith-based sources could lead victims to dismiss their experiences and forgive dangerous behavior.
After a friend prompted her to take action, Caro decided to pursue the issue.
Caro connected with Erica Smith, assistant director of women’s ministries at the North American Division, and Rene Drumm, a sociology professor at Andrews.
Drumm and Smith often work to educate the public on the reality of domestic abuse within the church. Drumm led significant research on domestic violence and, in a previous study, found that rates within the Adventist church are comparable to the general population.
“Abuse happens, even among the saints,” Drumm said. “Victims can include the Sabbath School teacher, the choir director, or the potluck coordinator. The abusers likewise can be anyone, including the pastor.”
The Student Movement shared statistics in an article about the situation,
“More than 12 million women and men are victims of intimate partner violence (including rape, physical assault, or stalking) each year. Nearly 70% of abuse victims turn to their faith community first when seeking help, according to enditnow, a global initiative launched by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 2009 to raise awareness and advocate for an end to violence against men, women, and children.”
Though hopeful, they were not expecting much. The print Sabbath School quarterlies, produced by the General Conference (GC) and distributed worldwide, are planned five years in advance.
Miraculously, the Adult Bible Study Guide team responded within a day, adding a disclaimer to the lesson in the official Sabbath School and Personal Ministries app.
The disclaimer reads: “Please note that these are general principles. In certain cases, such as those involving spousal abuse, steps should be taken to preserve health and safety.”
Clifford Goldstein, editor of the Adult Bible Study Guide, admitted that adding a disclaimer is “very rare.” Yet, with an issue as serious as this, a swift response was paramount.
Many rely on the Sabbath School quarterlies as a reliable spiritual guide to shape their faith and clarify their understanding of the church’s opinions on specific issues.
Drumm elaborated, “Therefore, it is crucially important that official messaging from ‘The Church’ provide transparency that (1) abuse happens among church members, (2) nothing in the scripture condones abuse, (3) the Adventist Church has official statements from the GC that abuse is not acceptable.”
