The administration of the Portuguese Union of Seventh-day Adventists, accompanied by the director of the Department of Religious Freedom, was granted an audience, on February 12, by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Portugal.
The audience was requested by the Church, with the purpose of presenting the new administration and testifying of its perspective on the situation of religious freedom and the social environment. The discussion, lasting about an hour, specifically focused on the religious phenomenon in Portugal and took place in the Palace of Belém.
Through this opportunity, the Adventist Church expressed the recognition of our country's advanced constitutional and legal framework regarding the rights of conscience, worship and religion. It also demonstrated its commitment to dialogue with public authorities and religious communities in the defense and protection of these rights, separation of state and religion, and cooperation in social and humanitarian matters. On his side, the President of the Republic showed interest in the principles and values of the Church and the reality of his presence in Portugal.
As a consequence of this meeting, and at the invitation of UPASD, the President of the Republic will officially visit the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Lisbon - Central, on March 3, attending his services of "Cult Solemn".
