|
Changing name of LINKEDin groups for Adventists
back to Adventist
by getting permission to use the name God gave us
|
|
On March 6, 2012 an Associate General Counsel of the General Conference sent me an e-mail informing me that many LINKEDin groups have names that violate church owned Trademarks. Here is a list of their registered Trademarks ® - Click Here |
|
I complied with the request and changed the name of the main group on March 18th to
E-ventist Network
about 40 other groups changed their name before the deadline given.
About 60 other LINKEDin groups continue in violation of church trademarks and LOGOs.
|
|
We are God’s people who understand the inspired writings which says we should never be ashamed of the name Seventh-day Adventists |
|
We are Seventh-day Adventists, and of this name we are never to be ashamed. As a people we must take a firm stand for truth and righteousness. Thus we shall glorify God. We are to be delivered from dangers, not ensnared and corrupted by them. That this may be, we must look ever to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. - - Letter 106, 1903 (also Selected Messages, Book 2, page 384, par. 2) |
|
The problem to be solved is HOW do Adventists who Network on the internet for the blessings of fellowship, sharing information and discussion; describe who they are? Especially when they are not given permission to use their name to describe their meeting venue with the words “Adventists” or “Seventh-day Adventists”? Without the name that describes who we are, it is hard to describe our group to others. |
|
With the Lord's help we have coined a new word E-ventist which complies with the GC legal action and may still attract other Adventists; E-ventist has enticed several owners of the other Adventist groups to change the name of their group before the GC lawyers contact them with a similar letter. There are over 3,850 Adventists affected by this or now in a group with the name E-ventist. |
|
E-ventist Network group ( 1,114 members ); E-ventists in Health Care ( 729 members ); E-ventists in Information Technology ( 537 members ); E-ventists in Education ( 398 members ); NOT ADRA, but we support ADRA group ( 319 members ); E-ventists in Publishing ( 169 members ); E-ventists in Atlanta ( 125 members ); E-ventists in Media and Communications ( 114 members ); E-ventsts in California ( 57 members ); E-ventists in Animation and Computer Graphics ( 48 members ) and many more. There are also 24 subgroups of these groups, the largest is Attending GC Session ( 68 members ); and E-ventist Pastors ( 55 members ). For a complete list of the LINKEDin groups affected by the legal action by the GC lawyer Click Here |
|
These numbers were last updated on May 15, 2012 |
|
Since we coined the word E-ventist we have also defined it. An E-ventist is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist church who does not have permission to call himself or herself an Adventist when they network and meet other Adventists on the on-line venue www.LINKEDin.com. There are many Adventists in these groups that are not happy with this situation and would like to ask permission to return to the name Adventist. It seems that Ted Wilson is in the position to grant this request. |
|
Therefore, we are preparing to contact him. The E-ventist Network group is has been discussing this since April. Over 100 comments have been posted - some of the comments are posted below, so that it can be shown to Ted Wilson or others in a position to grant our request. |
|
1.
|
|
"We are on dangerous ground when we cannot meet together like Christians, and courteously examine controverted points. I feel like fleeing from the place lest I receive the mold of those who cannot candidly investigate the doctrines of the Bible. Those who cannot impartially examine the evidences of a position that differs from theirs, are not fit to teach in any department of God’s cause." {RH February 18, 1890, par. 13}
Rather, it seems our church hierarchy wish to be the ones who "dictate" beliefs and interpretations of Biblical things while the rank and file are expected to simply accept them -- or be disfellowshipped. From that standpoint, I can't see them approving the use of what they consider to be "their name" in a forum, such as this one, over which they cannot control the content (and I do mean "control" in the strictest sense of the term).
Otherwise (though I voted, above, for asking), I am content with the current name of this group. But, as I said (or implied), it doesn't hurt to ask to be "allowed" to call ourselves that which we are by membership and by faith. Note how much it irked me that I had to say "allowed."
God Bless Posted by DC
|
|
2. |
I am also hurt? (I just can't think of an appropriate word to describe my feeling) for this group (and me) to be swatted like a fly for openly acknowledging our Adventist affiliation and then having to seek permission to return to doing so. I also suspect the "control" tendencies of the church (like any organization) have already resulted in stifling the free expression the group formerly possessed. I am comforted by this verse.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
God is in charge and He has a plan which will succeed. Posted by FC |
|
3. |
|
Who was this lawyer? I find that it is a dangerous thing when Lawyers start articulating and making policy for the church. Their usual goal is to protect the assets, and has nothing to do with right or wrong. There have been far too many attorneys protecting that which God should be allowed to protect. Luke 9:49 & 50 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. [50] And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. Obviously Jesus didn't have very good legal advise when He was willing to let someone (not even identified) use His name. Oh the liability issues! Posted by RB
|
|
4. |
|
I too feel it is very important that we retain the Adventist name. I am not an e-ventist. . . I don't understand why it should be a problem to have a group for Adventists to connect with each other on the internet and be able to talk freely. Posted by KH |
|
5. |
|
The unilateral approach to you from the lawyer supposedly representing the GC also reinforces the dangerous way the church has been veering onto Catholic control ground with a separation between the 'hierarchy' and the members, which Jesus explicitly said should never happen among His followers. We need a good dose of what it means to be a disciple according to the times in which Jesus called us. Also AT Jones material on church governance is very clear on the principles to be observed within God's true church. Control and force are Satan's tools. We are all brethren and all have a ministry for our Lord and Master. We are to counsel together, not use 'rank' and certainly not to use the State to force our opinions. Your website allows this which is why I am an avid reader and I am learning from the concepts God has given others. Posted by RW |
|
6. |
|
While I support the need to guard our brand, I think tht as Seventh-day Adventists we should be able to use the name without fear of reprisals. I was saddened to see the name Adventists Linked go away; and while I am comfortable with e-ventist, if there's a chance we can get the old name back, you have my full support. Posted by DW |
|
7. |
|
As a LINKEDin user, I was thrilled to know that there was a group of Adventist professionals, who met on this site to exchange ideas. The original name which this group had was "Adventists Linked". I believe this is a rightful name, because it is composed of active Seventh-day Adventist church members. We are not part of an off shoot group and as far as I know, members from this group have not been removed from the church membership records. We are to be in one accord, the entire body having the same beliefs and sharing a zeal to preach the gospel message to every nation, tribe, tongue and people. This includes the internet. I love an excerpt that comes from Selected messages, book 2, p. 384. It says: "We are Seventh-Day Adventist. Are we ashamed of our name? We answer, No, no! We are not. It is the name the Lord has given us. It points out the truth that is to be the test of the churches." I strongly believe, as 21st century Seventh-Day Adventist, living at the close of earth's history....let us not hide our name!" Even though few members are vocal about this issue, the general agreement, what most members would like to see happen, is that we return to the name "Adventists Linked". Posted by JD |
|
8. |
|
I'm a Seventh-Day Adventist, pure and simple. Posted by CL |
|
9. |
|
Room for your comment here |
Any member of a LINKEDin group affected by the GC legal action can post a comment below and it may be selected to appear above on this page. If you are not a member of a group, here is URL to join the
E-ventist Network
|
|
|
|
If you are a member of the E-ventist Network group I hope you like this page and I encourage you to comment on the discussion in the group. |
|
If you are a member of any of the sixty LINKEDin groups that have not been contacted by the GC lawyer. Or you are a member of any of the hundreds of FaceBook groups that are in violation of church trademarks or LOGO's feel free to comment on this page. Your comment should indicate which group or on-line venue you are a member of. |
|
|
|
Click here to go to the E-ventist Network group
|
|
|
|
There are no comments.