Carolina Conference

The situation surrounding the Beaufort Seventh-day Adventist Church has been difficult and painful for everyone involved. As the conversation has moved into a public forum, questions have been raised about the actions of the Carolina Conference, and we will endeavor to address them. But we also recognize that members of the Beaufort church family have expressed feelings of hurt, frustration, and disconnection from their Conference family, which is far more important. We never want any of our members to feel that they are not heard or valued.

 

We take seriously the concerns that have been raised regarding race and cultural sensitivity. We recognize that these concerns exist within a painful history of racial discrimination and segregation in our church, including circumstances that contributed to the formation of regional conferences. That history deserves to be acknowledged with humility and makes it especially important that concerns about race are heard carefully. Racism, prejudice, and discrimination have no place in the body of Christ, and the Carolina Conference rejects them in every form. While race did not motivate the decision in this matter, we will continue to listen carefully to the experiences and concerns of our Beaufort members and respond to those concerns productively and with respect. We hope to build bridges, not create barriers.

 

Current public discussion leaves the impression that South Atlantic Conference has agreed to receive the Beaufort church and Carolina is preventing that transfer. In a letter dated May 5, 2026, South Atlantic Conference President Calvin Preston reaffirmed the understanding between the South Atlantic Conference and the Carolina Conference regarding membership transfers: that members may transfer their individual membership between the conferences, however this understanding does not extend to church entities or properties.

 

North American Division Working Policy B-98 outlines the process for churches in overlapping conference territories to request a transfer of affiliation. The policy does not, however, make a transfer automatic when requested. The Carolina Conference Executive Committee ultimately did not support the request, a decision consistent with the long-held understanding between Carolina and South Atlantic. In the past, churches have requested to transfer to the Carolina Conference, and those requests also were not granted. Allowing established congregations to move between conferences could create a precedent with significant consequences for both conferences, including conference stability, consistency, shared ministry responsibilities, and cooperation in overlapping territories. [Learn more about these considerations.]

 

The Conference places value on the Beaufort members, not the church property. This has never been about protecting an asset. In fact, the property carries significant debt along with legal, financial, and denominational obligations. Our concern is for the people who worship there and the community they serve. Our desire has never been to retain a building at the expense of losing those who give it meaning and purpose. Because the church transfer request was not approved, the ability to transfer personal membership was shared to give members an option, not to empty the church and retain it.  We have an ongoing responsibility to the members who wish to remain, and to the continued mission of the Carolina Conference in the Beaufort community.

 

President Louis, accompanied by other members of Conference leadership, made multiple trips to Beaufort to meet personally with the congregation. Those visits involved hours of conversation as leaders listened to concerns, answered questions, explained the Conference's position, and sought a way forward. Additional conversations took place with church leadership, pastors, and denominational leaders in an effort to bring understanding and resolution. The sincere desire to come to an amicable conclusion was in the forefront of these meetings. 

 

The Beaufort church has been part of the Carolina Conference family for nearly 50 years. Our hope is not that its members will leave, but that Beaufort will continue to be a healthy and thriving congregation where people encounter Jesus Christ, where every member knows that he or she belongs, and where relationships damaged during this difficult season can begin to heal. 

 

With such a complex issue, we recognize that reconciliation cannot be accomplished through a policy, an Executive Committee action, or a public statement. It requires listening, humility, prayer, and a willingness to continue working together even when there is disagreement. The Carolina Conference remains committed to that work and to the members of the Beaufort church family. Our prayer is that this difficult season will ultimately lead not to greater division, but to healing, renewed trust, and a stronger commitment to the mission we share.