“International Dateline and the 7th day Sabbath in Tonga”

Abstract

This study explores how the International Dateline (IDL) impacts Sabbath observance in Tonga. In 2021, a group claimed the local Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church was worshipping on the wrong day due to historical errors made by early missionaries unaware of the IDL. These errors led Tonga to follow Australia's calendar despite being aligned with America. The article details the historical background, theological perspectives, and practical experiences supporting the SDA Church's decision to observe the Sabbath according to the 180-degree meridian. After careful consideration, the South Pacific Division's Biblical Research Committee advocates maintaining this practice to respect local culture and avoid complications, providing a sense of reassurance and confidence in the SDA Church's stance.