Nelu Burcea has been elected to serve as director of General Conference Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) for the 2025–2030 term during the 62nd General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Since joining the General Conference in 2015, Burcea has led efforts to strengthen the church’s relationships with international institutions and to represent the Adventist Church and the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) on the global stage. He brings to the PARL role a deep commitment to mission, paired with extensive academic and administrative experience.

Previously, Burcea served as director of communication and PARL for the Adventist Church in Romania and as director of the Romanian Adventist Media Center, which includes Speranța TV and Voice of Hope radio. An ordained pastor, he has led evangelistic campaigns across Europe and the United States.

Burcea holds a PhD in economics with a specialization in business ethics and human dignity, a master’s degree in business development management, and a bachelor’s in theology. He has also completed postgraduate studies in mass media, marketing, and diplomatic protocol, and pursued postdoctoral research at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies and at Harvard University, where he focused on religious freedom in former communist countries.

PARL advocates for religious freedom, human rights, and ethical engagement in government and interfaith settings. The department represents the church in legal matters, dialogues with global leaders, and supports members facing religious discrimination, ensuring that the right to worship freely is protected worldwide.

For more coverage of the 2025 General Conference Session, including live updates, interviews, and delegate stories, visit adventist.news and follow ANN on social media.