Sibrina Kalliokoski has been elected secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Finland, becoming the first woman in the Trans-European region of the world church to hold the position of union secretary.

Kalliokoski, who before her May election served as editor of Finland’s Adventist Church paper and mission magazine, says her country has a long tradition of women leaders. She points out that Finland currently has a woman serving as president. Kalliokoski says she hopes her election will help inspire other women who want to share their abilities, in a leadership capacity, within the church. 

Other actions taken at the union session, held May 23 and 24, include the election of Erkki Haapasalo as president of the church in Finland. Anna-Liisa Halonen was re-elected as treasurer.