The Alberta Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church is hosting an online panel this weekend to address systemic inequality and race under a judicial and social lens. 

The panel will be hosted by Pastor Dr. Lyle Notice and features a range of experts who will break down the issues of law/policy, the Canadian judicial system, policing, racial profiling and the role of social justice action. 

The panel features the Honorable Justice Donald McLeod, two pastors, a Constable and Lacombe, Alberta social activist, Dieulita Datus of Ubuntu - Mobilizing Central Alberta. It will be hosted over Zoom on June 28th at noon.

“I think this is the time - the greatest time ever in history - because everybody is unified in solidarity. I know that I wouldn’t want to miss this opportunity to continue this conversation because it is so important,” Notice said.

Notice said people have been having these conversations in smaller groups for many years, but this is a time when people are speaking up and speaking out together, in large groups in person or online. 

“The more and more we can get this out into the public and get more voices around the table so that it’s normalized, I think that is what will help anti-racism and equality and justice for all.”

The conference will be hosted online and is open to anyone who wishes to participate. For those wishing to participate, you can follow this link and instructions for the June 28th event.



“The more we talk about [race and inequity] the further along we get to racial harmony and unity. Conversation, I think, is one of the most powerful things, because in that, there are views that are shared and education that takes place,” Notice said, continuing, “We have to keep talking about it.”

Notice said often, issues of significance are held in the news stream or in front of people’s recognition for a short time and then are abandoned. 

As the Youth Director at the Alberta Conference, he said he’s particularly proud of the young people who are getting involved in local rallies and social justice movements because he says those are the people with the power to carry that motion going forward. 

On July 4th, Notice will be joined by Burman University Professor Dr. Kevin Burrell as the two engage in what Notice described as “an honest and open conversation that addresses the uncomfortable issue and impact of racism.”

To join in on that online meeting, you can follow this Zoom link.