The third full day of the 62nd General Conference (GC) Session in St. Louis, Missouri, focused on the global coordination of mission through key leadership elections, including secretary and treasurer roles, as well as updates to the church’s Constitution and organizational naming.
Global Leadership Elections Shape 2025–2030 Term
Delegates voted on several key leadership positions that will guide the Seventh-day Adventist Church during the next quinquennium.
Richard E. McEdward Elected as General Conference Secretary
Delegates elected Richard E. McEdward as secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, affirming his experience in mission strategy and international leadership. He most recently served as president of the Middle East and North Africa Union Mission (MENAUM).
Why it matters: The secretary plays a critical role in coordinating global church operations, leadership transitions, and membership systems across more than 200 countries.
Driving the news: McEdward’s nomination was presented by the Nominating Committee and passed by a vote of 1,630 to 153, representing approximately 91 percent of delegate votes.
Paul H. Douglas Reelected as General Conference Treasurer
Delegates voted to elect Paul H. Douglas as treasurer of the General Conference, entrusting him with stewardship of the church’s global financial resources.
Why it matters: The treasurer ensures transparency, financial planning, and policy compliance in support of the global Adventist mission.
Driving the news: Douglas’s vote passed overwhelmingly, 1,851 to 47.
“We are called to be faithful stewards—not just of money, but of the mission,” Douglas said previously.
Of note: Douglas brings decades of service, including as former GC Auditing Service executive director. He is a CPA and is completing a PhD in accounting.
Seven Vice Presidents Affirmed for 2025–2030 Term
Delegates also confirmed the leadership of seven general vice presidents who will serve for the 2025–2030 term. These leaders support global administration and mission advancement:
Thomas L. Lemon
Audrey E. Andersson
Pierre E. Omeler
Artur A. Stele
Saw Samuel
Leonard A. Johnson
Robert Osei-Bonsu
Why it matters: Vice presidents mentor leaders across regions and support strategic initiatives set by the executive team.
Driving the news: The vote passed 1,798 to 92.
Treasury Leadership Team Elected
In addition to electing Douglas, delegates affirmed J. Raymond Wahlen II as undertreasurer and elected six associate treasurers:
Sabrina C. DeSouza
Josue Pierre
Timothy H. Aka
German A. Lust
Richard T. Stephenson
Gideon M. Mutero
Why it matters: Treasury leaders help steward financial systems that support evangelism, education, health care, and media ministry worldwide.
Driving the news: The newly elected team will serve alongside Douglas to strengthen financial accountability and support division treasury departments.
Delegates Approve Constitution Amendment on Visa Timelines
Delegates voted to amend Constitution Article V to allow more time for divisions to prepare delegate counts using earlier membership numbers—a change prompted by lengthy US visa processing times.
Why it matters: In some regions, securing a US travel visa can take more than a year, creating logistical hurdles for future sessions.
Driving the news: GC undersecretary Hensley Moorooven presented the motion, sharing the challenges faced during 2025 planning.
Of note: The vote passed by cards, despite questions about why GC Sessions continue to be held in the United States.
Adventist Review Ministries Reverts to Historic Name
Delegates approved a motion to revert Adventist Review Ministries to its original name, Adventist Review.
Why it matters: Adventist Review is the church’s longest-running publication, founded by James and Ellen G. White.
Driving the news: The motion passed without discussion.
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.
