Membership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church had grown to more than 11.3 million as of June 30, 2000, said General Conference secretary, Pastor Matthew Bediako, in his report to Annual Council today.  This figure represents an average growth rate of 3,176 new members each day.

Reporting on the successes of Global Mission, Adventist World Radio, and various evangelistic initiatives of the past year, Bediako pointed out that there are challenges still ahead in sharing the Adventist message of hope to those who need to hear it.

Bediako reminded Annual Council participants that the theme of the meeting is “United by the Word of God.”

“This quinquennium, unity will be our first priority,” said Bediako. “We will talk about it, work for it, and pray for it.”