24 May 2026
During the event Liberty magazine is recognized for its 120 years of advocacy.
Christelle Agboka, North American Division News
Orlan Johnson, North American Division Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director, addresses guests at the nineteenth annual Religious Liberty Dinner on April 22. [Photo: Art Brondo, NAD]
The North American Division’s (NAD) nineteenth annual Religious Liberty Dinner, held on April 22 in the James Madison Memorial Building at the Library of Congress, championed freedom of conscience as a core human right. Overlooking the gathering, a statue honoring Madison, the fourth United States president and key architect of constitutional religious freedom rights, visually reinforced the evening’s theme.
Hosted by the NAD Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department and Liberty magazine, the dinner brought together 90 religious liberty advocates, faith representatives, government officials, academics, Washington Adventist University honors students, Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders, and other guests.
In his welcome, Orlan Johnson, NAD PARL director, underscored the significance of the gathering. “For nearly two decades this event has served as a space where people of diverse beliefs, backgrounds, and perspectives can come together in unity,” he said.
Attendees greet one another during the North American Division’s nineteenth annual Religious Liberty Dinner. [Photo: Art Brondo, NAD]
Johnson reminded attendees that, globally, many people do not have the freedom to worship—or not worship—as they see fit, ending with an appeal for ongoing advocacy: “Let tonight be more than a dinner.”
Celebrating 120 Years of Liberty Magazine
A highlight of the evening was the official recognition of the 120-year anniversary of Liberty magazine by United States representative Jamie Raskin, who represents Maryland’s eighth congressional district. Notably, the magazine was founded in Takoma Park, Raskin’s hometown and part of his congressional district.
In brief remarks, Raskin praised Liberty magazine for helping keep alive what he called “the founding and most revolutionary principle of our Constitution”—the separation of church and state. He then presented Bettina Krause, Liberty editor and NAD PARL associate director, with a certificate honoring the magazine’s “120 years of zealously championing the separation of church and state, the precondition for freedom and progress in American life.”
