Adventist Pastors Join Local Leaders to Promote Peace and Community

More than 50 faith and community leaders gathered at Watford Fire Station in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, on September 4 for an emergency community engagement event organized by One Vision. The meeting highlighted the power of faith and unity at a time when divisions are increasingly visible across the country, organizers said.

Among the participants were John Melki, Jude Jeanville, and João Relic Macedo, pastors representing the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Their involvement underscored the church’s role in guiding conversations, reassuring communities, and pointing people to the peace found in Christ, regional church leaders said.

A Call to Peacemaking

Melki reminded attendees of the Christian duty to foster reconciliation, drawing on Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (NIV). He said, “In times of division our calling is to be peacemakers. As Christians we must show by word and action that reconciliation is possible when we put Christ at the center.”

Jeanville reflected on the unity of God’s people across cultures and traditions. Quoting Galatians 3:28 (“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” [NIV]), he added, “Our communities may look different, speak different languages, and come from different traditions, but in Christ we are one. That unity must shine as a light in Hertfordshire and beyond.”

Macedo highlighted the responsibility of spiritual leadership, urging listeners to heed the counsel of 1 Peter 5:2: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them . . . eager to serve” (NIV). He said, “The world needs shepherds who serve with humility and courage. Standing together tonight shows our communities that faith leaders are united in guiding people to hope, peace, and love.”

Civic and Public Service Leaders

The event highlighted the strength of partnership across civic and public life, drawing support from leaders in policing, health care, local government, and faith communities. Among them were Hertfordshire’s chief constable, Andy Prophet; Fire and Rescue chief, Alex Woodman; and Laurence Brass, chair of the Hertfordshire County Council. Local representatives included Matt Turmaine, MP; and Watford’s elected mayor, Peter Taylor, among others.

This broad coalition of leaders underscored the shared responsibility for community well-being. Health organizations in particular emphasized the importance of working hand-in-hand with local partners. “It was fantastic to launch the first Neighborhood Transformation Fund with our partners,” said Gemma Peters, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support. “This initiative will empower communities to shape the services they need, ensuring more equitable and effective health care for people living with cancer.”

Her words were echoed by Toby Hyde, chief strategy and transformation officer at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals, who noted, “Really proud to see the Neighborhood Transformation Fund become a reality. It’s a bold step in changing how health services are delivered in the community.”

Together the voices in the room signaled a commitment to unity, innovation, and care, setting a hopeful tone for the work ahead.

The Role of the Church in Times of Uncertainty

During the event, participants noted the contribution of faith communities, including the Adventist Church, in providing comfort, moral guidance, and practical support. Speakers emphasized that in a world facing conflict and division, churches can offer hope by pointing people to Christ, the Prince of Peace.

The gathering also highlighted how collaboration between faith leaders, civic representatives, and public services helps strengthen social cohesion and reassure local communities.

Enoch Kanagaraj, chief executive of One Vision, who convened the gathering, concluded, “This event demonstrated that no community is isolated. When faith leaders and public services stand together, Hertfordshire remains a beacon of unity and hope. As the Bible reminds us: ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!’ ”(Ps. 133:1, NIV).

The original version of this story was posted on the Trans-European Division news site.