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Seventh-Day Adventists [and American Bible Society]
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Morton Blackwell's Religion Liaison Files
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Digital Library Collections This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections. Collection: Blackwell, Morton: Files Folder Title: Seventh-Day Adventists [and American Bible Society] Box: 40 To see more digitized collections visit: https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit: https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected] Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/ WITHDRAWAL SHEET Ronald Reagan Library Collection Name BLACKWELL, MORTON: FILES Withdrawer KDB 6/7/2010 File Folder SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS [AND AMERICAN BIBLE FOIA SOCIETY] F09-0043/01 Box Number 9086 STRAUSS, C 22 DOC Doc Type Document Description No of Doc Date Restrictions NO Pages 1 LETTER G. M. ROSS TO BLACKWELL (PAGES 1-2, 2 4/4/1983 B6 PARTIAL) Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)] B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA] B-2 Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA] B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA] B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial Information [(b)(4) of the FOIA] B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA] B-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA] B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA] B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA] C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift. October 17, 1983 file Dear Mrs. Harris: Nancy and I are delighted to send warmest greetings and congratulations as you are honored by the Adventist-Lay- men's Services and Industries. We were touched to hear the story of the Harris Home for Children and your lifetime of service to others. Since 1954, you have been caring for homeless and unwanted children. You have fed, clothed, and educated them, giving totally of yourself so that they may have a chance for the future. Many of your children have gone on to college and technical schools, and because of your love, they are prospering today. I know it hasn't always been easy, but your inner strength and faith in God have sustained you. You are living proof of Paul's promise to the Philippians: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." May God continue to bless the important work you have begun at Harris Home. I commend you for the contributions you have made to your fellow citizens. What a special person you are to have dedicated your life to our most precious resource -- the children. You have my very best wishes for continued success and, again, congratulations. Sincerely, Mrs. Chessie Harris Harris Home for Children P.O. Box 5183 Huntsville, Alabama 35805 Sent to: Mr. G.M. Ross, Associate Director General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 6840 Eastern Avenue, N.W.; Washington, D.C. 20012 (Call Holly Denton when signed to have picked up: 722-6687.) RR: Hodge CC: K.Osborne/D.Livinston/M.Blackwe1l(FYI)/CF DUR: OCT. 20 - EVENT: OCT. 22 (Huntsville) X file STRAIGHT WIRE - OCTOBER 7, 1983 General Conference of Seventy-Day Adventists c/o Dr. B.B. Beach Director of Public Affairs 6840 Eastern Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20012 I am delighted to send my warm greetings to all those gathered for the Annual World Council of the General Conference of Seventy-Day Adventists. This occasion presents a special opportunity for your members to preside over church business, share their spiritual commitment, and proclaim the faith that strengthens their lives. The fellowship this event affords helps further the religious understanding of all in attendance. May this be an enlightening and beneficial council which will serve as an inspiration to each of you. RONALD REAGAN RR:Wells:ck cc: 00 Morston Office of General Counsel Telephone (202) 722-6320 General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists CHURCH WORLD HEADQUARTERS: 6840 EASTERN AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20012 TELEPHONE: (202) 723-0800 CABLE: ADVENTIST, WASHINGTON TELEX: 89-580 November 16, 1983 The President The White House Washington, D. C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: The General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists recently learned that a Rev. Dr. Moses Ramirez has written to you (see attached photocopy) and other government officials on various matters and has identified himself, basically, as the president of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. That is not true. Mr. Moses Ramirez has no connection whatsoever with the General Conference as an elected officer or otherwise. I thought you and your staffers should be made aware of the above. Sincerely Nixon, Esq. hw 3136 18th St. N.W. REVEREND MOSES RAMIREZ Tel. 202 Suite B-1266 President of the General Conference 445-0547 Wash., D. C. 20010 of the Seven Day Adventist Church in the U. S. A. and Abroad 06 July 1983 Hon. Ronald Wilson Reagan, President of the United States of America, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W., Washington, D. C. 20005. Dear Mr. President: As ever, I want to express to you and your beautiful wife Nancy my expressions of sincere backing not only of me myself but of all my international congregation composed of over 2,700,000 adepts. I take this opportunity to wish your wife Nancy a belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY. In my daily orations I do pray for you and your wife and all your children and your loyal staff so that you do what commands you to do not only for America but for the whole world and praying for our enemies, known and unknown, I say to you, Mr. President, GOD BLESS YOU. Today I was at the office of Pocial Security in Washington, i. located at 21st and M st. N. W. and having arrived at 8:45 A. M. I got out at 12 noon and I have done this for 3 consecutive days and there ALL THE PERSONNEL of the office are working so SLOW that it looks deliberately INNEFFICIENT and they are against our suffered people as we all, especially the disabled totally like me, caused by an accident at METRO, I must report to you this because when I requested attention to my request because of the enormous pain I was feeling in my legs and back, a white lady in the office called security to pull me out by force. Everyone in the place got up immediately and protested as they could not live the experience of seeing the prejudice of this lady. Three months have elapsed and I have not received yet my check. I moved from Miami, Florida to this area on May 3. 1983 and I immediately made a change of address and notified Social Security in Washington, D. C. at the same mentioned office AND THUS FAR I FIND THEY ARE UTTERLY NEGLIGENT. Mr. Fresident, I believe your re-election will be the symbol of UNITY AND PROSPERITY FOR THE CONTINENT ALL, NORTH, CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN BASIN but you must put your finger on the wound to enable you to DEFEND ALL THE OPPR ESSED AND FORGOTTEN PEOPLE OF OUR NATION pushing a law before Congress regarding the control of the rents of all the nation, starting with Washington, C. where I now live. For 2 room apartment I am paying $650.00 which is not worth $250.00 at the Woodner Hotel. I also have to pay $50 parking fee per month and you know that the law of 1973 Congressionally enacted which is the Handicapped Law No. 504, which does not permit any disabled like me PAY ANY PARKING IN ANY PUBLIC PLACE, as the "odner Corporation has a public place for parking, and I believe Woodner is violating Law No. 11,246 which Congress approved to favor the country of discrimination overt and covert of this and many other outfits in the U. S. A. 2 If your Honor work for a law to CONTROL THE RENTS NOT ONLY IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA BUT IN THE WHOLECOUNTRY I ASSURE YOU THAT ALL AMERICANS WILL VOTE FOR YOU, INCLUDING ALL THE NATURALIZED AMERICAN CITIZENS FROM AFRICA, EUROPE, ASIA, CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA, THE CARIBBEAN. Also controls must be Federally or Statewise placed on the exhorbitant GAS, LIGHT, TELEPHONE AND UTILITIES BILLS WHICH BLEED THE POOR PEOPLE OF AMERICA AND INDEED OF THE WORLD. THE TELEPHONE COMPANY NOW DIVIDED INTO MANY OTHER SUBSIDIARIES IS REALLY RAQUETEERING AND MAKING MORE MONEY, EVEN SELLING THE TELEPHONES TO PEOPLE WHO CAN HARDLY PAY THEIR BILLS. YOU KNOW THAT YOU WERE FORCED TO CUT THE SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS AND THIS LAW AFFECTED ME FOR $400.00 BUT I THINK YOU WERE RIGHT AND NOW IS THE TIME TO PLACE CONTROLS ON ALL THE UTILITY COMPANIES TO PREVENT CHAOS FOR THE GREAT GOP AND YOUR IMMINENT RE-ELECTION. DO IT, MR PRESIDENT, WITH THE COURAGE YOU HAVE ALWAYS SHOWN AND DEONSTRATED AND IF YOU DO so, YOU CAN COUNT WITH ALL THE VOTES OF OF MY AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL AMERICA. GIVE ME YOUR VIBRATIONS TO PRAY TOGETHER: IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, OF THE HOLY GHOST, GOD BLESS MR. REAGAN, AMERICA THE POWERFUL AND R ESPECTED AND THIS HUMBLE SERVANT OF GOD WHO ONLY WANTS TO CORRECT THE FAULTS THAT HE SEES SINCE I AM THE FATHER OF TWELVE CHILDREN, AND I AM TOTALLY DISABED. AMEN. As ever, loyally at your service and in the sérvice of GOD ALMIGHTY, REV. Moses Ramirez REV MR:oac/b P. S. I take pleasure to enclose the picture for you personally that President Dr. Salvador Jorge Blanco of the ominican Republic, thru me has sent to you; please try to visit him soon as I can personally can make the arrangements together with my Legal Counsel Mr. Octavio Augusto Costas-Brook who together with me will make the arrangements with the Hon. Dr. Blanco together with Dr. Jose Francisco Pena-Gomez Sindico and Mayor of Santo Domingo for yourvisit. We can be liasons. Cur intention is just to serve as a bridge for peace and prosperity in struct line with your great hemispheric vision and the natural equilibrium that peaceful and democratic santo Domingo can offer. MAILGRAM SERVICE CENTER MIDDLETOWN, VA. 22645 Western ® 19AM Union Mailgram STATES LINTED U.S.MAIL POSTA SERVICE 1-0163721353 12/19/83 TLX GEN CONF WSH WHSA 01 WASHINGTON DC DECEMBER 19 THE ¡HONORABLE MORTON C. BLACKWELL SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT OLD EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING, RM. 191 17TH AND PENNSYLVANIA, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20500 DEEPEST THANKS FOR YOUR PERSEVERANCE IN ARRANGING WHITE HOUSE MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT NEXT THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, AT 4830 P.M. THIS WILL CONFIRM PRESENCE OF CHARLES E. BRADFORD AS REPRESENTATIVE OF GENERAL CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS, YOURS SINCERELY, G. M. ROSS, PH. D. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF SDA 202/722-6688 TELEX 89580 GEN CONF WSH 16:39 EST MGMCCMP TO REPLY BY MAIL GRAM MESSAGE SEE REVERSE SINE FOR WESTERN TO REPLY BY MAILGRAM MESSAGE, PHONE WESTERN UNION ANYTIME, DAY OR NIGHT: FOR YOUR LOCAL NUMBER, SEE THE WHITE PAGES OF YOUR LOCAL TELEPHONE DIRECTORY OR DIAL (TOLL-FREE) 800-257-2241 OR DIAL WESTERN UNION'S COMPUTER DIRECTLY: FROM TELEX I 6161 FROM TELEX II (TWX®) 910-420-1212 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON December 7, 1983 MEMORANDUM FOR MORTON BLACKWELL FROM: CAROLYN SUNDSETH done SUBJECT: Bibles for the President The only two groups I know of who have been turned down is the American Bible Society, with a Washington office and their headquarters New York. They asked at the time the suit was pending in Wisconsin on Year of the Bible. At the time of the NRB last year, Ken Taylor, who is now a sick old man and who wrote the paraphrased Living Bible, wanted to present a special copy to the President. It may have been at the National Prayer Breakfast but it was all about the same time. We did not even propose it because we had turned down the other group. Files on both of them should be in your files. MAILGRAM SERVICE CENTER MIDDLETOWN, VA. 22645 TATES POSTA Western ® 16AM Mailgram UNITED 7 Union SERVICE ® U.S.MAIL 1-0071291228 08/16/83 TLX GEN CONF WSH WHSA 01 WASHINGTON DC AUGUST 16 THE HONORABLE MORTON C. BLACKWELL SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT OLD EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING, RM. 191 17TH AND PENNSYLVANIA, N.W. Do of WASHINGTON, D.C. 20500 a to proter + AS WE APPROACH THE AUTUMN OF THE YEAR OF THE BIBLE, THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS REMINDS YOU OF ITS DESIRE TO PRESENT THE BIBLE STORY TO PRESIDENT REAGAN AT YOUR DISCRETION CORRESPONDENCE PERTAINING TO THIS REQUEST IS ON FILE WITH YOUR OFFICE, YOURS SINCERELY, G.M. ROSS, PH, D. 202/722-6688 GENERAL CONFERENCE TELEX 89580 GEN CONF WSH no! 10:31 EST not that the MGMCCMP seen RD answer: 10-25-83; MCB- Back in your court. 5241 (R 7/82) TO REPLY BY MAILGRAM MESSAGE, SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR WESTERN UNION'S TOLL FREE PHONE NUMBERS TO REPLY BY MAILGRAM MESSAGE, PHONE WESTERN UNION ANYTIME, DAY OR NIGHT: FOR YOUR LOCAL NUMBER, SEE THE WHITE PAGES OF YOUR LOCAL TELEPHONE DIRECTORY OR DIAL (TOLL-FREE) 800-257-2241 (EXCEPT IN NEW JERSEY 800-632-2271) OR DIAL WESTERN UNION'S COMPUTER DIRECTLY: FROM TELEX I 6161 FROM TELEX II (TWX®) 910-420-1212 WITHDRAWAL SHEET Ronald Reagan Library Collection Name Withdrawer BLACKWELL, MORTON: FILES KDB 6/7/2010 File Folder FOIA SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS [AND AMERICAN BIBLE F09-0043/01 SOCIETY] STRAUSS, C Box Number 9086 22 DOC Document Type No of Doc Date Restric- NO Document Description pages tions 1 LETTER 2 4/4/1983 B6 G. M. ROSS TO BLACKWELL (PAGES 1-2, PARTIAL) Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)] B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA] B-2 Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA] B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA] B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial information [(b)(4) of the FOIA] B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA] B-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA] B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA] B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA] C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift. B MS phose get corolynis DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY General Conference of list + of request to Seventh-day Adventists Present fles CHURCH WORLD HEADQUARTERS: 6840 EASTERN AVENUE NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20012 USA TELEPHONE: (202) 722-6000 CABLE: ADVENTIST, WASHINGTON TELEX: 89-580 + B material rekind to the April 4, 1983 Port MB Honorable Morton Blackwell falmularel 500 of won Special Assistant to the President for Public Liaison The White House ine Washington, D.C. 20500 190 out 25 5-13 to Dear Mr. Blackwell': No I spoke pr Ross The General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists herewith requests the 4/22/83 privilege of presenting THE BIBLE STORY to President Reagan. Details will about our request follow: WHAT: This multi -illustrated work, which covers Genesis to Reve- of lation, is the largest-selling Bible story set in the world (twenty million copies currently circulating in fifteen to pres. the a languages). It is produced by the church's publishing depart- The only complete ment, which supervises fifty publishing houses around the world, enjoys an annual output valued at $120 million, and paraphrased rendition oversees nearly 2,000 salespeople (colporters or literature of the bible for BY children WHOM: evangelists). 510g The author is Arthur Maxwell, Adventism's best-known story- ≤ Form teller. Although he is now deceased, one hundred million copies of his various books are in circulation. WHO: The Seventh-day Adventist church--a conservative Protestant denomination--is headquartered in suburban Washington and numbers four million adult members worldwide (650,000 of whom are in North America). In the requested presentation we propose that our church be represented by 1. Elder Charles E. Bradford Vice-President for North America, General Conference Black church pastor (Social Security number: 2. Elder J. Clyde Kinder b(6) Director, Publishing Department, General Conference (Social Security number: Honorable Morton Blackwell April 4, 1983 Page 2 3. Dr. Bert B. Beach Director, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department, General Conference (Social Security number: b(6) WHEN: Sometime in 1983, the Year of the Bible, at a time and place designated by the President. WHY: To demonstrate to the President, and through him to the nation, that Bible-centered religion is a needed dynamic of society and the source of indispensable values. Thank you for talking with me by telephone last Friday. Besieged as you are by matters of this kind you still maintain a most pleasant and reas- suring demeanor. I'am confident that you will do what you can regarding our request. Phone me any time at 722-6688 (office) or 422-9253 (home). Yours sincerely, GinRoss G. M. Ross, Ph.D. Congressional Liaison GMR/hla THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON November 22, 1982 MEMORANDUM FOR RED CAVANEY FROM: MORTON C. BLACKWELL M SUBJECT: Scheduling Event for President to Receive Bible from the American Bible Society We are awaiting correspondence from Dr. Bill Bright and Senator Armstrong on the topic of a proclamation signing designating 1983 as Year of the Bible per an Act of Congress recently signed by the President. There is in the process of formation a Protestant - Catholic - Jewish committee especially intended to encourage observation of 1983 as the Year of the Bible. I would recommend that the President not do this event requested by the American Bible Society but that we be sure to invite them to the proclamation signing. It might be appropriate for the President to receive a Bible from them at that time, but the major events for the Year of the Bible should be those proposed by the group who were primarily responsible for the Congressional action. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON January 5, 1983 MEMORANDUM FOR RED CAVANEY FROM: MORTON C. BLACKWELL SUBJECT: American Bible Society Presentation of Bible Fred Ryan has just told us that the presentation of the Bible by the American Bible Society is off the President's schedule for January 13. He has no idea how it got on the schedule. The only paper work he had on the subject indicated that the organization was informed on December 13 that the President would not be able to accommodate their request. You may remember that you had sent a memo to Scheduling recommending against this event. The major event relating to the Bible for now, clearly, is the Year of the Bible proclamation. The religious groups are showing increasing interest in whether or not the President will allow a single atheist in Wisconsin to prevent him from acting on a law Congress has passed and he has signed. The coalition to encourage observance of 1983 as Year of the Bible is daily enlisting other major leaders. Unless someone higher up has inserted the Bible Society's request on the President's schedule without Fred Ryan's knowledge, it appears that this was a clerical error in Scheduling. To repeat: Fred Ryan says this presentation of a Bible by the American Bible Society on January 13 has been removed from the President's schedule. EHD Red Morton B THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON MEMORANDUM TO: ELIZABETH DOLE 1/6/83 FJR for FROM: WILLIAM K. SADLEIR SUBJ: APPROVED PRESIDENTIAL ACTIVITY PLEASE IMPLEMENT THE FOLLOWING AND NOTIFY AND CLEAR ALL PARTICIPANTS. THE BRIEFING PAPER AND REMARKS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO RICHARD DARMAN BY 3:00 P.M. OF THE PRECEDING DAY. NOTE: AS PROJECT OFFICER FOR THIS ACTIVITY, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SUBMIT A COMPLETE, CONFIRMED LIST OF STAFF AND ATTENDEES, IDENTIFIED BY TITLE, TO THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS AND SCHEDULING WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS AFTER THE EVENT. MEETING: The presentation by the American Bible Society, pre- viously scheduled for January 13, is cancelled for that date DATE: TIME: DURATION: LOCATION: REMARKS REQUIRED: MEDIA COVERAGE: FIRST LADY PARTICIPATION: CC: A. Bakshian M. McManus M. Brandon J. Rosebush R. Darman B. Shaddix R. DeProspero W. Sittmann D. Fischer L. Speakes C. Fuller WHCA Audio/Visual W. Henkel WHCA Operations E. Hickey A. Wrobleski 105196 stg. ID #. WHITE HOUSE HN CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET O . OUTGOING " CRy" H . INTERNAL I . INCOMING "Stotb to Received (YY/MM/DD) 82 10120 Date Correspondence Rd Cavavag Name of Correspondent: Edmund 7. Wagner MI Mail Report User Codes: (A) (B) (C) Bill to designate 1983 as the Requests Subject: Supports the President regarding his signing of the prese, t Societys own Good new Bible in a meeting with the Pres iddnt, in January 1983, to ROUTE TO: English Todays ACTION DISPOSITION Tracking Type Completion Action Date of Date Office/Agency (Staff Name) Code cal YY/MM/DD Response Code YY/MM/DD sc Laws ORIGINATOR 82110 121 we A8211233 Referral Note: / / / / Referral Note: / / / / - Referral Note: / / / / - Referral Note: / 1 / / Referral Note: ACTION CODES: DISPOSITION CODES: A . Appropriate Action I - Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary A Answered C Completed C Comment/Recommendation R - Direct Reply w/Copy B . Non-Special Referral S Suspended D Draft Response S For Signature F - Furnish Fact Sheet X Interim Reply to be used as Enclosure FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE: Type of Response = Initials of Signer Code = "A" Completion Date = Date of Outgoing Comments: Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter. Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB). Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files. Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590. 5/81 December 13, 1982 Dear Mr. Wagner: On behalf of the President, I would like to thank you for your letter asking to present the President with a copy of the American Bible Society's Good News Bible in Today's English Version. Your thoughtfulness of the President is most appreciated. Unfortunately, in view of the heavy demands on the President's schedule in the months ahead, a time is not foreseen when he could add your request to his calendar. With the President's warm best wishes to you, Sincerely, WILLIAM K. SADLEIR Director, Presidential Appointments and Scheduling Mr. Edmund F. Wagner President American Bible Society 1865 Broadway New York, NY 10023 WKS:AMS:mlg THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON November 24, 1982 MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM K. SADLEIR FROM: RED CAVANEY or SUBJECT: Scheduling Event for President to Receive Bible from the American Bible Society We are awaiting correspondence from Dr. Bill Bright and Senator Armstrong re a proclamation-signing ceremony designating 1983 as Year of the Bible per an Act of Congress recently signed by the President. A Protestant-Catholic-Jewish committee is in formation, especially intended to encourage observation of 1983 as the Year of the Bible. Recommend the President not do this event rather invite them to the proclamation signing. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 11/6/82 MR/HCD/EMJ MR / II thinstatment true about every Pundent continuing the custom of accepting this Bible ? Fed l know that premous Premdents have acapted Bille and, an - mean, from this graup- THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON November 10, 1982 Fred- According to the Public Papers President Nixon met w/the American Bible Society the end of May 1969. President Ford never met w/them. President Carter met w/them on 9/14/77. So, the letter's third paragraph is incorrect. Reagan would not necessarily be breaking "a continuing custom. " If you should decide not to do this. Ellen es THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON MEMORANDUM November 17, 1982 TO: RED CAVANEY REGRET FROM: WILLIAM K. SADLEIR, DIRECTOR PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS AND SCHEDULING Date 11/30/12 FJR SUBJ: REQUEST FOR SCHEDULING RECOMMENDATION PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR RECOMMENDATION ON THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULING REQUEST UNDER CONSIDERATION: EVENT: Presentation of Good News Bible in Today's English Version by the President of the American Bible Society DATE: January 1983 LOCATION: The White House BACKGROUND: See attached YOUR RECOMMENDATION: Accept Regret Surrogate Message Other Priority X Routine IF RECOMMENDATION IS TO ACCEPT, PLEASE CITE REASONS: See attached were And 71R RESPONSE DUE 11-24-82 TO Fred J. Ryan Emmund F. Wagner/President s/Treasurer Coleman Burke/Vice President General Secretary abs /General Secretary October 18, 1982 The President 105196 The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 My Dear Mr. President, It is with great appreciation that we have received word that you have signed the Bill to designate 1983 as the Year of the Bible. In recognition of your action, my fellow members of the Board of Managers of the American Bible Society and I will be truly grateful if you will accept a copy of the Society's own Good News Bible in Today's English Version. In so doing, we feel that you would further demonstrate to the nation the need to be guided by the Scriptures, and at the same time you would be continuing a custom which had its beginning 166 years ago. Each of your distinguished predecessors has been gracious enough to accept a special presentation Bible from this Society since its founding in 1816. It may interest you to know that Elias Boudinot was not only President of the Continental Congress but also the first President of the American Bible Society. Through the years many Presidents of the United States have been active in our organization. Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams were officers of the Society and did much to guide its growth in the early years. We are an interdenominational, non-profit agency whose task is to distribute the Scriptures here at home and in over 150 countries and territories around the world. Through our continuing translation activity we are increasing the more than 1,739 languages in which the Scriptures are now published. If your schedule permits me to present you with this special Bible in the White House sometime in January as the Year of the Bible commences, I will be most grateful. Very respectfully yours, Edmund F. Wagner President EFW:rs CC: The Honorable Claiborne Pell, Honorary Vice President, ABS Coleman Burke, Vice President, ABS AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY 1865 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10023 Telephone: 212-581-7400 Cable Address: Biblehouse, New York I I THE white HOUSE WASHINGTON AM B.BLE Society CLAIBORNC PeLLEZ Coleman Burke VP Bd FRIEND OF Rey EDMOND WAGNER w CHA, RMAN BD ALICE BALL 212-581-7400 212- 581-7400 Let how when Bill Can he presented I 7Th - Guide Day OFFICE OF THE EDITOR 6856 EASTERN AVENUE NW. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20012 Dec. 9,1982 Dear mr. Blackwell, We very much appreciated President Reagan's letter of congratulations on om 30th anniversary. It appears on the back page of the enclosed issue. Best wishes, Jan Wuerstlin Asst. Editor fill THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 8, 1981 Religious Dear Miss Anderson: I am pleased that the President was able to send a greeting to your 1981 annual council. I regret that, per Gregory J. Newell's letter to Dr. Ross on August 27, we were not able to schedule a private meeting for your church leaders with the President. As I pledged in a previous meeting with Dr. Ross and Dr. Beach in April, we will include leaders of your church in appropriate future meetings and briefings with White House policy makers, including meetings with the President. Cordially, Marton C.Blochwell Morton C. Blackwell Special Assistant to the President CC. Dr. G.M. Ross Miss Heidi L. Anderson Government Relations Seventh-day Adventists Church World Headquarters 6840 Eastern Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20012 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists CHURCH WORLD HEADQUARTERS: 6840 EASTERN AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20012 TELEPHONE: (202) 723-0800 CABLE: ADVENTIST, WASHINGTON TELEX: 89-580 October 2, 1981 Mr. Morton Blackwell, Special Assistant to the President for Public Liaison Old Executive Office Building, room 191 The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 ATTN: Kathy Dear Kathy: The following is a draft of a message that the President might send to the 1981 Annual Council of Seventh-day Adventists. Thank you for your help in obtaining the message. We would like to come pick it up to save time. 10/2/81 To President N.C. Wilson: OK Greetings to all delegates of the 1981 Annual Council of Dodie disingstons Seventh-day Adventists, and welcome to Washington, D.C. May hope and wisdom prevade your week-long deliberations office October 6-14 as leaders of a world-wide and rapidly growing wield denomination. shall we I spoke with Dr. Ross and he feels that we would be more than interested in the meeting with top religious officials, President Reagan and Vice- himb him President Bush. Also enclosed are copies of letters from Dr. Ross to Mr. Blackwell that were never received. Please call us at 722-6687, or 6688 when the greeting from the President is ready to be picked up. Thank you, again. Sincerely, Heidi Anderson answers we will in meeting Heidi L. Anderson Government Relations ouly 1/, 1701 Mr. Morton Blackwell Old Executive Office Building Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. Baackwell: Thank you for including me in the briefings on the President's economic policy. This was insightful and useful, and you were tolerant of all oppinions expressed. After the meeting I spoke with you about the requestiof my mhurch leaders for a five-minute visit with the President in October, the ocassion being a major convening of our world officers at that time. You expressed your willingness to advance our chances for this meeting. To help you in this I am enclosing our correspondence with the White House. Sincerely,yours, G. M. Ross, Ph.D. Congressional Liaison & Associate Director GMR/hla enclosure September 3, 1981 Mr. Morton Blackwell Old Executive Office Building Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. Blackwell: Enclosed is correspondence relating to our request for a White House meeting. I discussed this personally with you at your recent symposium, and you agreed to do what you could to reinforce our invitation. I now request that you do so, and I thank you in advance for any efforts that you can make in our behalf= Yours sincerely, G. M. Ross, Ph.D. Congressional Liaison & Associate Director GMR/hla July 17, 1981 Mr. Gregory J. Newell Special Assistant to the President Old Executive Office Building Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. Newell: This letter will reiterate our request of April 15, 1981 for a meeting between the officers of our church and the President on the occasion of their world convocation here in Washington next October. We are sharing our correspondence regarding this matter with Mr. Morton Blackwell of Elizabeth Dole's office, and I am sure that be would be happy to talk with you further about our desires. As the fall approaches we will write you agáin. Yours sincerely, G. M. Ross, Ph.D. Congressional Liaison & Associate Director GMR/hla THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON August 27, 1981 Dear Dr. Ross: This is in reply to your letter of July 17th renewing your earlier request that a meeting be arranged between the officers of the Seventh-day Adventists Church and the President during the annual conclave of the church leader- ship in Washington, October 6-14. I am sorry I must now advise that, as the President's schedule has developed for that period, it will not be possible for him to meet with your group. He wanted me to express his appreciation for your interest in asking, nevertheless, and best wishes for a successful convocation. Sincerely, Harryong Keenell Gregory J. Newell Special Assistant to the President G. M. Ross, Ph.D. Congressional Liaison and Associate Director General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 6840 Eastern Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20012 file) STRAIGHT WIRE - OCTOBER 6, 1981 are very 10/7 President N.C. Wilson General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Chruch World Headquarters 6840 Eastern Avenue, N.W. Heidi Washington, D.C. 20012 I am pleased to have this opportunity to send greetings to all those participating in the 1981 Annual Council of Seventh-day Adventists. Since its beginnings, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has demonstrated a deep commitment to the spiritual and moral well-being of its adherents and a deepfelt commitment to the principle of religious freedom for all people. At this particularly sad time all Americans join in prayer for peace and brotherhood. May faith and wisdom guide your workhand deliberations and all of us during this week and the days ahead. Sincerely, RONALD REAGAN RR:Silverman:ck CC: K.Osborne/D.Livingston/M.Blackwell/CE 2/4 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists CHURCH WORLD HEADQUARTERS: 6840 EASTERN AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20012 TELEPHONE: (202) 723-0800 CABLE: ADVENTIST, WASHINGTON TELEX: 89-580 April 14, 1981 Mr. Morton C. Blackwell Special Assistant to the President White House, EOB, room 136 Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. Blackwell: It was a pleasure for Dr. Beach and me to visit with you in your office this afternoon and to learn of your enormous responsibilities. We want you to know that the leadership of Seventh-day Adventists respects you and wishes you well in your work. Please "count us in" on the briefings which you are planning to hold for various religious groups. This would be a valuable experience that we would not want to miss. And accept our condolences for the death which your family has recently sustained. Yours sincerely, GinRoss G. M. Ross, Ph.D. Congressional Liaison & Associate Director /hla file DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists CHURCH WORLD HEADQUARTERS: 6840 EASTERN AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20012 TELEPHONE: (202) 723-0800 CABLE: ADVENTIST, WASHINGTON TELEX: 89-580 September 3, 1981 Mr. Morton Blackwell Old Executive Office Building Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. Blackwell: Enclosed is correspondence relating to our request for a White House meeting. I discussed this personally with you at your recent symposium, and you agreed to do what you could to reinforce our invitation. I now request that you do so, and I thank you in advance for any efforts that you can make in our behalf. Yours sincerely, g.m.Ross G. M. Ross, Ph.D. Congressional Liaison & Associate Director GMR/hla April 15, 1981 Mr. Gregory J. Newell Special Assistant to the President Old Executive OfficeBBuilding Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. Newell: During the next annual conclave of the leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist church, set to occur here in Washington on October 6-14, 1981, several of our officials would appreciate having a five minute conversation with President Reagan. I am authorized to initiate a request for this on their behalf and would like to be kept abreast of your efforts to schedule us. The persons attending, in addition to myself, would be N.C. Wilson, President; G. Ralph Thompson, Secretary; C.E. Bradford, Vice-President for North America; and B.B. Beach, Director of the Department of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty. We have informed Mr. Morton Blackwell in Mrs. Dole's office of our intention to write you in this regard. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we are looking forward to hearing from you. Sincerely yours, G. M. Ross, Rh.D. Congressional Liaison & Associate Director /hla July 17, 1981 Mr. Gregory J. Newell Special Assistant to the President Old Executive Office Building Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. Newell: This letter will reiterate our request of April 15, 1981 for a meeting between the officers of our church and the President on the occasion of their world convocation here in Washington next October. We are sharing our correspondence regarding this matter with Mr. Morton Blackwell of Elizabeth Dole's office, and I am sure that be would be happy to talk with you further about our desires. As the fall approaches we will write you agáân. Yours sincerely, G. M. Ross, Ph.D. Congressional Liaison & Associate Director GMR/hla THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON August 27, 1981 Dear Dr. Ross: This is in reply to your letter of July 17th renewing your earlier request that a meeting be arranged between the officers of the Seventh-day Adventists Church and the President during the annual conclave of the church leader- ship in Washington, October 6-14. I am sorry I must now advise that, as the President's schedule has developed for that period, it will not be possible for him to meet with your group. He wanted me to express his appreciation for your interest in asking, nevertheless, and best wishes for a successful convocation. Sincerely, Harry Revell Gregory J. Newell Special Assistant to the President G. M. Ross, Ph.D. Congressional Liaison and Associate Director General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 6840 Eastern Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20012 August 27, 1981 Dear Dr. Ross: This is in reply to your letter of July 17th renewing your earlier request that a meeting be arranged between the officers of the Seventh-day Adventists Church and the President during the annual conclave of the church leader- ship in Washington, October 6-14. I am sorry I must now advise that, as the President's schedule has developed for that period, it will not be possible for him to meet with your group. He wanted me to express his appreciation for your interest in asking, nevertheless, and best wishes for a successful convocation. Sincerely, Gregory J. Newell Special Assistant to the President G. M. Ross, Ph.D. Congressional Liaison and Associate Director General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 6840 Eastern Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20012 CC: Morton Blackwell of E. Dole's office GN:hcd:emb-30a FILES PLEASE RETURN PROMPTLY. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists CHURCH WORLD HEADQUARTERS: 6840 EASTERN AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20012 TELEPHONE: (202) 723-0800 CABLE: ADVENTIST, WASHINGTON TELEX: 89-580 July 17, 1981 Mr. Morton Blackwell Old Executive Office Building Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. Blackwell: Thank you for including me in the briefings on the President's economic policy. This was insightful and useful, and you were tolerant of all oppinions expressed. After the meeting I spoke with you about the request of my church leaders for a five-minute visit with the President in October, the ocassion being a major convening of our world officers at that time. You expressed your willingness to advance our chances for this meeting. To help you in this I am enclosing our correspondence with the White House. Sincerely yours, G. M. Ross, Ph.D. Congressional Liaison & Associate Director GMR/hla enclosure April 15, 1981 Mr. Gregory J. Newell Special Assistant to the President Old Executive OfficeBBuilding Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. Newell: During the next annual conclave of the leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist church, set to occur here in Washington on October 6-14, 1981, several of our officials would appreciate having a five minute conversation with President Reagan. I am authorized to initiate a request for this on their behalf and would like to be kept abreast of your efforts to schedule us. The persons attending, in addition to myself, would be N.C. Wilson, President; G. Ralph Thompson, Secretary; C.E. Bradford, Vice-President for North America; and B.B. Beach, Director of the Department of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty. We have informed Mr. Morton Blackwell in Mrs. Dole's office of our intention to write you in this regard. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we are looking forward to hearing from you. Sincerely yours, G. M. Ross, Rh.D. Congressional Liaison & Associate Director /hla DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists CHURCH WORLD HEADQUARTERS: 6840 EASTERN AVENUE NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20012 USA TELEPHONE: (202) 722-6000 CABLE: ADVENTIST, WASHINGTON TELEX: 89-580 May 9, 1983 Honorable Morton Blackwell Special Assistant to the President White House EOB, Rm 136 Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. Blackwell: RE: 1. Seventh-day Adventists leadership Conferences at which President Reagan might appear. 2. The presentation of a book to President Reagan in the spirit of the Year of the Bible. Thank you for inquiring about the above. In our telephone conversation recently, I failed to mention that our Director, Dr. Bert Beach, is chiefly responsible for White House liaison, and that I am only secondarily so. Therefore, I have spoken to him about the matter and will leave it to him to contact you directly. On the other item, which is "in the works," the presentation of a book to President Reagan in the spirit of the Year of the Bible, you may also work with Dr. Beach. He would in any case be the one to accompany Elders Bradford and Kinder in any such meeting. Yours sincerely, GinRosa G. M. Ross, Ph.D. Associate Director GMR/hla