Dr. Charles Bradford speaks to Department of History and Political Science

The Department of History and Political Science's departmental chapel on December 6, 2012, featured guest speaker Dr. Charles Bradford. Following an invocation by Dr. Alfonzo Greene Jr., Assistant Professor. Dr. Ciro Sepulveda, Professor, introduced the guest speaker.

Dr. Bradford's presentation, titled "The Great African Prophets," provided insight into the history of prominent religious leaders on the African continent; specifically, those that embraced Christianity and in most cases observed the seventh day Sabbath. He also pointed out that Ellen G. White urged John Nevins Andrews to conduct a study on Sabbath keeping in Africa. Consequently, Mrs. White made reference to Andrews' findings in The Great Controversy (page 63):

"In lands beyond the jurisdiction of Rome, there existed for many centuries bodies of Christians who remained almost wholly free from papal corruption. They were surrounded by heathenism, and in the lapse of ages were affected by its errors; but they continued to regard the Bible as the only rule of faith, and adhered to many of its truths. These Christians believed in the perpetuity of the law of God, and observed the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Churches that held to this faith and practice, existed in Central Africa. . ."

Dr. Bradford affirmed that our commission to present the Sabbath more fully should also include reciting the history of determined African peoples that staunchly continued to keep the seventh day Sabbath. Finally, he encouraged the students to be involved in their communities and to use their education in God's service.

Dr. Samuel London, Department Chair (pictured with speaker), thanked Dr. Bradford and presented him with mementos of appreciation. Dr. Anne Smith-Winbush, Assistant Professor of Political Science, offered the closing prayer.

(l-r) Elder Gabriela Profeta-Phillips, Dr. Keith Burton, Pastors Reynold Hazelwood, Garth Dottin and Anthony Reid, and Dr. Errol  Lawrence at CAMR-OU certification ceremony.

Center for

Adventist-Muslim Relations

certifies four pastors 

The first four students in the Center for Adventist-Muslim Relations at Oakwood University's certification program received their certificates at a service in the McKee Business and Technology Complex on December 5, 2012.

Coincidentally, Dr. David Baker, Pastor Garth Dottin, Pastor Reynold Hazelwood and Pastor Anthony Reid are all from the Ontario Conference (Dottin and Hazelwood are Oakwood graduates).

Following opening prayer by  Allegheny East Conference's Dr. Glenford Baxter, those in attendance were welcomed by OU President Leslie Pollard and Provost Timothy McDonald; North American Division Adventist-Muslim Relations Director, Elder Gabriela-Profeta Phillips and Ministerial Director for the Ontario Conference, Dr. Errol Lawrence.

Special Assistant to the President for Spiritual Life, Dr. Howard Weems, offered a special prayer of consecration. This was followed by reports on their experience with the program from the three certificants who were present (Baker was absent due to an injury). The Center's director, Dr. Keith Augustus Burton then awarded the certificates and Dr. Harold Lee of the Bradford-Cleveland-Brooks Leadership Center presented each pastor with a $500 incentive stipend. OU's George Lee offered the closing prayer.

In order to qualify for certification, participants must attend and provide feedback for 12 online learning modules; complete four book reports; conduct a community assessment; and engage their congregations in programs involving Muslims. Instructors in the program include experienced denominational leaders and academics from the General Conference, North American Division, Andrews University, Loma Linda University, Oakwood University, Union College and context specific ministries. In all, 30 students from across the North American Division and the Cape Conference (South Africa) participated in the program, and others will be awarded certification in a ceremony next year.

Established by the University administration in October 2011, CAMR-OU was established to foster relationships between Christians and Muslims through research, dialogue and fellowship. 

OU's men Ambassadors basketball team is currently ranked 15;  the women are not ranked at this time. Both teams are currently 2-9, and are on their way to California for the La Sierra Christmas Basketball Tournament, along with teams from La Sierra University, Pacific Union College, and Andrews University.