Luka Daniel, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s West-Central Africa Division, announced his retirement August 15. Daniel will officially leave office at the end of December 2008.

Daniel became president of the region in 2003. He previously served as president of what is now the church’s Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division.

Daniel, 65, said the decision was based upon reaching retirement age and his recent health issues.

“Our thanks go to the General Conference for the all the support and.. advice, [and] to my fellow workers… [for] prayer on my behalf,” Daniel said.

The new division president will be chosen in November and take office January 2009.