Official Response to The White Estate

RE: Ellen White’s Ministerial Credentials

To William Fagal of The White Estate, Dr. Bacchiocchi & Adventists Affirm:

Despite how we at HeavenlySanctuary.com feel about the issue of woman’s ordination, the fact of the matter is we originally posted her ministerial certificate for the purpose of making those in the Adventist community aware that she even had one. Currently, this is a big issue within the confines of our SDA world fellowship and we are thrilled that people are taking part in frank and honest discussion. The original founders of HeavenlySanctuary.com, Dion Kaszas and Marco Belmonte, were in shock when they discovered this item under lock and key in the basement of the Canadian University College library where they were enrolled in the theology program. Our intention in posting this evidence was never to be controversial or misrepresent the truth.

William Fagal of The Ellen White Estate makes the distinction between ordination credentials and ministerial credentials stating that ministerial credentials are given to ordained ministers. We apologize if we caused confusion, although there does seem to be some circular reasoning taking place. The mistake we made may actually prove the point that we are trying to bring forth; that the general Adventist population may not even know that she had ministerial credentials. Why must our theology students, laypersons and pastors be left to discover this under apparent secrecy?

It is interesting to us at HeavenlySanctuary.com that these topics are not discussed more openly. A printing of a booklet on “Ministerial Credentials” would behoove all who are interested in exploring such a topic; such orderly investigation would afford individuals the chance to make an educated decision based on the evidence.

The shuffling of the words ‘ordination’ and ‘ministerial’, as if there is some distinctive difference is curious. Is it not obvious even to the most casual eye that Ellen White was indeed given proper credentials that confirm her role? Would it be ok for Enron to give out honorary CEO certificates to those that aren’t really CEOs? Mr. Fagal pointed out that the word ‘ordained’ was manually scratched out which causes us to wonder how many other certificates are in the same condition. Could it have happened after it had been issued? This is a strong possibility considering that even the SDA Bible Commentaries have had notable portions altered ‘manually.’ We also understand that when Dr. Fagal says that Ellen White was not ordained he means that there was no official ceremony where conference officials put their hands on her.

HeavenlySanctuary.com is devoted to God first and we strive to minimize that which is temporal. Having said that, yes, Mrs. White had been supplied valid credentials by men but more importantly, it is the Divine Ordination and Commission imparted by God Himself that far exceeds any human stamp. This gift which He bestowed upon Mrs. White enabled her to marry the prodigal planet with its Maker through the inspired pen. It was this that allowed her to baptize the brokenhearted with writings that have succeeded to draw them ever closer to Him, and assist in organizing the flesh and blood that makes up God’s church.

If sharing this document has succeeded in arousing individuals to drive past human opinion and seek the truth for themselves, our mission has been accomplished. It is music to our ears when we receive statements from Mr. Fagal asking questions like, “How does one explain how these things fit together?” because it opens the door to individual consideration and provides a platform for the minds of God’s people to be employed. We value Mr. Fagal’s gracious contributions to this discussion and look forward to further replies. It is encouraging to see statements such as the one he presented, “It seems to me…” because it leaves no doubt that Mr. Fagal, like HeavenlySanctuary.com, fervently seeks for the truth which can be afforded only by transparent means.

May all our exchanges demonstrate humbleness in the Lord as well as the utmost respect toward our brethren.

Sincerely, respectfully, and with warm regards,

The HeavenlySanctuary.com Team

(Marco Belmonte, Dion Kaszas & Stacie Barsumian)