Adventist Church representatives joined politicians, other faith leaders and students at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday (October 26) for the 37th Australian National Prayer Breakfast.
The gathering included prayers for Australia’s leaders and for independent MP Dr Helen Haines and her family, after she was critically injured outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on October 19.
Among the Adventist representatives were Australian Union Conference general secretary Pastor Jeffrey Masengi and public affairs and religious liberty director Pastor Kojo Akomeah, as well as leaders from the South New South Wales Conference.
Pastor Masengi said one of the highlights was seeing people united in prayer for the nation.
“As Seventh-day Adventists, we have a responsibility to uphold our national leaders in prayer, asking God to grant them wisdom, integrity and discernment as they make decisions that shape our country,” he said.
The breakfast also provided opportunities to build relationships and discuss public affairs and religious liberty.
By building relationships, “we have the opportunity to share our distinctive Adventist worldview and advocate for religious freedom for all people in Australia”, Pastor Akomeah said.
Griffith pastor Billy Opetaia and his wife, Jane, also attended. Mrs Opetaia said it was a blessing and a privilege to participate in a “beautiful morning of faith, prayer and fellowship”.
She said praying for Dr Haines and her family was one of the most touching moments of the morning.
“It was beautiful to witness people coming together in genuine compassion, recognising that despite differences in political views, responsibilities or work agendas, our shared humanity and concern for one another are far greater,” she said.
Christian leader Amy Brown delivered the keynote address on the theme “The Way Down is the Way Up”. Music was provided by 12-piece soul-gospel band Majesty Rising, which included two Adventists.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick gave the welcome address. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland, representing the Prime Minister, and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor were among the federal parliamentarians who attended.
Mr Taylor described the breakfast as “an extraordinary opportunity for Christians to get together in faith, humility and unity”.
