The United States Supreme Court ducked the issue of whether Congress acted in a constitutional manner when, in 1954, it inserted the phrase “under God” into the Pledge of Allegiance. Instead of facing the issue, the court ruled that Michael Newdow lacked standing to bring the case. Already, courts are citing this case to undermine the rights of non-custodial parents. The decision only postpones the inevitable — a future challenge that the court cannot duck.

For Seventh-day Adventists, the issue of America’s standing before God is important. We believe that God blessed America with a unique grasp of the principles of freedom, reflecting the character of God. So the American system of power, our “horns,” prophetically speaking, are portrayed in the Bible as “lamblike,” or Christlike. Yet, our destiny is to speak as a dragon, repudiating that commitment to freedom.

Today, freedom plays defense in the face of security concerns. Human rights advocates are concerned that the widely publicized use of torture at an Iraqi prison has seriously eroded American credibility in advocating for human rights and religious liberty around the world. Yet, if Americans do not lift our voices in defense of freedom, no one else will.

Seventh-day Adventists play a significant role in protecting freedom all over the world. As the world becomes more dangerous, and as threats to freedom and security both become more acute, Americans, and especially Seventh-day Adventists, need to redouble our own efforts. Eternal vigilance has always been the price of liberty.

This year, the Pacific Union’s annual training event for religious liberty ministry will be at Camp Cedar Falls. Our title, “One Nation Under God? What the Bible says about religion, government and the American destiny,” will feature programming designed for those with little background in religious liberty ministry other than an interest or desire to serve. It provides a thorough and comprehensive introduction to religious liberty. There will be workshops on ministry ideas for local churches, as well as inspiring preaching and teaching. Every church needs to be represented.