17 February 2026 | Loma Linda, USA [Joe Philpott]
Dr Daniel Duda, President of the Trans-European Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (TED), was honoured with the Charles Elliott Weniger Award for Excellence. The event took place on 14 February during the annual ceremony held at the Loma Linda University Church, USA. The award recognises individuals who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership and contribution to the mission of the Adventist Church, reflecting the legacy of Charles Elliott Weniger.
Bonnie Dwyer, one of the ceremony’s hosts, introduced Duda and highlighted his visionary leadership and his well-known phrase, “Imagine if…”, a theme that has shaped his creative preaching and fostered a culture of imagination and excellence across the TED. She also noted Duda’s long-standing commitment to theological education, from his early service as academic dean at Zaoksky Theological Seminary in Russia to his later role as lecturer in biblical and systematic theology at Newbold College, and his continued involvement in ministerial formation as transitional Head of the Newbold Centre of Ministry and Mission.
The Weniger Medallion was presented by Gilbert Valentine, a member of the Weniger Executive Committee.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the Weniger Medallion for Excellence. To be included among those whose lives and work have so richly contributed to the Adventist community, and whose names are respected even beyond Adventism, is both a privilege and a profound encouragement”, Duda said. “Whatever I was able to achieve, this has never been a solitary effort, but always shared journeys with inspiring local church members, students, professional colleagues and mentors who shaped me to be the person who I am today. I receive this award with gratitude; and also as a renewed invitation: to keep learning, to keep listening, to keep growing, and to keep using whatever gifts God has given me for the good of others.”
Duda was one of four recipients honoured this year. The other awardees were Helen Staples-Evans, E Albert Reece and John Thomas. Each year, four individuals are selected for this award.
Pastor Ian Sweeney, TED Field Secretary, who attended the ceremony alongside Duda, described the recognition as a moment of pride for the Division. “The Trans-European Division can be immensely proud to have Daniel as our president, not only because of his life journey beginning in communist Czechoslovakia and the excellence he has demonstrated in ministry, academia and leadership, but also because of the humility that defines his character,” he said. “While the Trans-European Division is among the smallest of the world divisions, in Daniel we have a leader who stands tall on the global stage.”
The Charles Elliott Weniger Award for Excellence was established in 1974 to honour the memory of Charles Elliott Weniger, a respected professor at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, and later at Andrews University. Known as an inspiring teacher and gifted public speaker, Weniger influenced an entire generation of Adventist leaders.
Ten years after he died in 1964, three of his friends founded the Charles E Weniger Society to preserve the values that defined his life and ministry. Since its establishment, the Society has recognised individuals who embody similar traits of integrity, excellence and dedicated service to the Church and the wider world.
208 individuals have received the Weniger Medallion, marking more than five decades of recognition for distinguished service within the global Adventist community. For the TED, Duda’s recognition highlights his contribution to the mission of the Adventist Church across the division.
The full award ceremony was livestreamed and is available to watch on YouTube. Those wishing to view Daniel Duda’s recognition can begin at 1:14:57.
[Photos: Courtesy of Loma Linda University]
