Dr. William G. Johnsson, who has served as editor of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s official paper, the Adventist Review, since 1982, officially announced his retirement April 12, during the world church’s Spring Meeting. Johnsson also was editor-in-chief of Adventist World, the church’s international magazine with 1.2 million copies distributed around the world.

Delegates voted to accept his proposal for retirement, which will commence at the end of the year. “We certainly want to record our appreciation for [Johnsson’s] outstanding service that has been provided to our church,” said Pastor Jan Paulsen, world president of the Adventist church. 

The floor was then opened for delegate comments on Johnsson’s work.

“It’s a privilege for me to say a few words about someone who I regard as an icon in our church,” said Dr. Peter Landless, a physician and an associate director of Health Ministries for the world church. “I want to thank Dr. Johnsson for not only being an editor, but a role model and a friend.”

“He has touched my ministry in a variety of ways,” says Delbert Baker, president of Oakwood College in Alabama, United States. “His writings were always an inspiration. ... He has perfected the art of reintroducing himself. He was always able to get with his team and re-engineer and reintroduce the magazine where it’s fresh and speaks about [current] issues.”

Marty Feldbush, director of the church’s Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries, said, “He has saved the best to last. Some people coast the last few years. Bill hasn’t coasted. He’s really saved the best for last. The work he’s done in producing Adventist World and others will long be remembered.”

“It’s not very often that somebody can be at the retirement of his successor,” said Kenneth H. Wood, who preceded Johnsson as Adventist Review editor. “He’s been a worthy successor.”

“He’s a man for all seasons, he speaks to all people, and he writes as his heart dictates. For that I say thank you for all you’ve given. Knowing you, I know you will not give up. We will probably see your writing again,” said Harold Lee, president of the church in the mid-Atlantic United States.

Bill Knott’s name was recommended as the next editor, to begin Jan. 1, 2007. Knott has served as an associate editor of the Adventist Review for eight years.

This recommendation came after an extensive search process that involved the leadership group at the church’s world headquarters, followed by consultation with presidents of the church’s world regions and the Adventist Review publishing board.

When the recommendation was presented for discussion, no questions were raised regarding the nominee. However, issues were raised regarding the selection process. Pastor Paulsen, who chaired the meeting, said the appointment of the Adventist Review editor is extremely important for the world church.

“We will move with this carefully. And we will move together. It is important that we listen to each other and then act together,” he said.

A motion to refer the recommendation back to the Adventist Review Board was voted.