6 July 2025 | St Louis, USA [Vanesa Pizzuto]
After deliberating throughout the morning, the Nominating Committee returned to the Dome of the America’s Center Convention Complex at 3:04 p.m. with three proposals: the election of the General Conference (GC) Secretary, the GC Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and the General Vice-Presidents of the GC.
General Conference Secretary
Pastor Richard E McEdward was elected as GC Secretary, receiving 1,630 votes out of 1,783 voting delegates. McEdward has served as President of the Middle East and North Africa Union Mission (MENAU) since 2016. Prior to this, he held several leadership roles within the Church, including Global Mission Centre Director and Associate Director of the Institute of World Mission.
Commenting on this new role, with his wife by his side, McEdward shared, “As you will recognise, the last few hours have been challenging, and it is humbling to be asked… We will strive to live up to the trust you have placed in us and to keep mission foremost in our area of responsibility. So, thank you, and please pray for us as we try to do our best for the Lord and His Church.”
General Conference Treasurer
Pastor Paul Douglas was re-elected as GC Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, receiving 1,851 votes out of 1,898 voting delegates. Upon accepting the continuation of his role, Douglas commented, “I want to thank God for the continued privilege to serve in this capacity. I don’t believe I am worthy, but I am willing.” Reflecting on the importance of the calling, he concluded, “I will serve as a faithful steward of His resources to finish the work of the gospel. Jesus is indeed our resource — we have everything we need.”
General Conference Vice-Presidents
The General Vice-Presidents of the GC were presented and voted on as a group, receiving 1,798 votes out of 1,890 voting delegates:
Audrey Andersson (incumbent)
Thomas L. Lemon (incumbent)
Pierre E. Omeler (incumbent)
Artur A. Stele (incumbent)
Saw Samuel (previously Associate Secretary of the General Conference)
Leonard A. Johnson (previously Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Division)
Robert Osei-Bonsu (previously President of the West-Central Africa Division)
Featured image: Pastor Richard E McEdward.
[Photos: James Botha, Adventist Media Exchange CC BY 4.0]
