When the German army mobilized in 1914, Seventh Day Adventists in that country had to decide whether they would serve in the military. The president of the East German Union Conference and others in council decided that conscripted Adventists would bear arms and could render service on the Sabbath in defense of their country. Though most followed their leadership in this policy, a minority felt they could not uphold what they believed was the church's original position in regard to keeping the Law of God and also serve in the military. The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Europe disfellowshipped those who refused to serve in the military.
There were about 4,000 Adventists in Germany and other parts of Europe that were disfellowshipped. Attempts at reconciliation were made at the conclusion of the war, and again in 1920 and 1922. The Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement was organized as a separate church from the the main body of Seventh-day Adventists at Gotha, Germany, July 14-20, 1925.
The reform movement was first headquartered in Isernhagen, Germany, then later in Basel, Switzerland. After World War II, headquarters were moved to Sacramento, California. The church was incorporated in 1949. Offices are currently located in Roanoke, Virginia. The Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement has members in over 100 countries.
The Reform Movement has suffered one division. Near the end of the 1940s, two parties developed, but continued together until June 6, 1952, when the party led by C. Kozel decided to reorganize themselves as a separate body. This body operates as the International Missionary Society of Seventh Day Adventists Reform Movement, and is headquartered in Germany.
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