Ontario Conference Health Ministry denied booth at fair
Whereas health ministry has traditionally been an effective method of building bridges and breaking down walls, political winds of change may affect the ability of Adventist ministries to use the health message as an "entering wedge" for the gospel. The Toronto Vegetarian Association recently declined the application of the Ontario Conference Health Ministry for a booth at the 2010 Annual Vegetarian Food Fair.
In a cordial but firm letter of response to the church's booth application, David Alexander, executive director of the Toronto Vegetarian Association, wrote, "First, we wish to clarify that we recognize and value the work done by the Adventist community to promote healthy vegetarian living.... We have every reason to believe that those present at the fair on behalf of the Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church have provided helpful information and shown respect for all members of the public. Yet despite our respect for this work, the Toronto Vegetarian Association must take issue with the public statements of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists regarding homosexuality...'as a manifestation of the disorder and brokenness in human inclinations and relations caused by sin coming into the world.'"
Fraser stated that the church was free to register for space to promote healthy eating "as individuals or organizations that do not condemn homosexuality," or could resubmit its application after providing evidence that it does not condemn homosexuality.