Adventists develop Bible study outreach incorporating Native American traditions

WASHINGTON (RNS) The Seventh-day Adventist Church has launched a first-of-its-kind Bible study course geared toward Native Americans.

The purpose of the course, launched March 1, is to introduce Native Americans to Christ and the Adventist Church, according to Richard Dower, editor of the North Pacific Union Gleaner, a church publication based in Vancouver, Wash.

"This is the first time that there's ever been anything out there that is specifically slanted to native people, and written for native people," Monte Church, director of native ministries, said.

The course took 11 years to research and write, cost $182,000 and incorporates American Indian traditions into the lessons.