The Seventh-day Adventist Church™ is a worldwide body with a clearly defined structure designed to keep the mission moving forward—no matter who holds a leadership position. At the 62nd General Conference Session in St. Louis, Missouri, this structure was on full display as delegates from around the world, including 19 from the Atlantic Union Conference, elected leaders to guide the church for the next five years.
Atlantic Union Conference president Abraham J. Jules described this stability as one of the church’s greatest strengths:
“Unlike other organizations, where if the leader leaves, there is panic—that’s not the case in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. We can come at 2:59 with one man as president and elect another by 3:05, and nothing changes. The structure remains intact. The church continues because we have policies that govern the way things are done. The Adventist Church is very organized, and I believe it is God-led in that regard.”
Below, you’ll learn how the Seventh-day Adventist Church is organized and how the Atlantic Union fits into this global body. You’ll also meet the 19 delegates who represented the Atlantic Union, discover the newly elected leaders of the General Conference and the North American Division, and hear in the delegates’ own words what it meant to take part in this historic gathering.
This special feature is more than a report—it’s an invitation. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a global movement united in mission, grounded in Scripture, and focused on preparing the world for Jesus’ soon return. As you read, take the opportunity to learn more about your church and your role in its mission. We are a worldwide family, moving forward together until the day we see our Savior face-to-face.
GLOBAL LEADERS, SHARED MISSION
Delegates to the 62nd General Conference Session received nominations for individuals to serve in key leadership roles for the global Seventh-day Adventist Church, including the General Conference and its 13 world divisions. The following leaders were voted to top-level positions:
General Conference Leadership
Erton Köhler, president (pictured)
Rick McEdward, executive secretary
Paul H. Douglas, treasurer
North American Division Leadership
G. Alexander Bryant, president
Kyoshin Ahn, executive secretary
Judy R. Glass, treasurer
Each of the 12 remaining world divisions is led by a division president who was also elected during the GC Session:
Blasious M. Ruguri – East-Central Africa Division (ECD)
Mikhail F. Kaminskiy – Euro-Asia Division (ESD)
Abner De Los Santos – Inter-American Division (IAD)
Barna Magyarosi – Inter-European Division (EUD)
Soon Gi Kang – Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD)
Stanley E. Arco – South American Division (SAD)
Glenn C. Townend – South Pacific Division (SPD)
Harrington S. Akombwa – Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID)
John Victor Chinta – Southern Asia Division (SUD)
Roger O. Caderma – Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD)
Daniel Duda – Trans-European Division (TED)
Bassey Udoh – West-Central Africa Division (WAD)
Visit gcsession.org/voted_positions/ for a full list of all elected leaders for the next quinquennium.
MEET THE ATLANTIC UNION DELEGATES
Delegates are selected to represent their territory in the official decision-making processes of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They play a key role in shaping the policies, leadership, and strategic direction of the global church for the next five years. At the 62nd General Conference Session in St. Louis, Missouri, 2,809 delegates from across the globe came to lend their voices. Of the 2,809 delegates, 19 came from the Atlantic Union, and consist of church members, conference presidents, and Union administrators.
Church Members
Individuals representing the Atlantic Union Conference include a diverse group of everyday members like you—pastors, teachers, lay leaders, denominational employees, and ministry volunteers—active participants in their local congregations. Their presence is a reminder that the heart of the church is found in its people, and their voice matters at every level.
• Deborah Thomas-Gilkes (Bermuda Conference)
• Bernard Richards (Greater New York Conference)
• Grace Ann Ashley (Greater New York Conference)
• Waren Muir (New York Conference) (pictured)
• Venetta Brooks-Jarvis (Northeastern Conference)
• Nancy Toussaint (Northeastern Conference)
• Hector Ramos (Northeastern Conference)
• Edrol Sandy (Northern New England Conference)
• Kenroy Malcolm (Southern New England Conference)
• Maria Valente (Southern New England Conference)
Conference Presidents
Presidents from each of the six conferences in the Atlantic Union serve as key voices for their territories. Their unique perspective brings a broad view of the spiritual, administrative, and missional needs of their regions. As delegates, they represent the challenges and opportunities unique to their conferences, ensuring that local realities are part of the global church conversation.
• Kenneth Manders (Bermuda Conference)
• Alanzo Smith (Greater New York Conference)
• Miguel Crespo (New York Conference)
• Eldeen King (Northeastern Conference)
• Gary Blanchard (Northern New England Conference)
• Robert Folkenberg, Jr., (Southern New England Conference) (pictured)
Union Administrators
Atlantic Union officers represent the broader mission and vision of the Atlantic Union, including union-led ministries and initiatives. Their leadership helps connect the local work with the global mission, making sure the shared priorities in this territory stay aligned with the world church.
• Abraham J. Jules, president
• David O. McKenzie, executive secretary
• Elias F. Zabala, Sr., treasurer
Learn more about Adventist Church governance at gc.adventist.org/about-us/governance.
DELEGATE REFLECTIONS FROM THE FLOOR
MARIA VALENTE, Southern New England Conference
It was my honor to serve the church as a delegate. I experienced a deeper level of spiritual growth during the GC Session. Hearing thousands of voices praising God—from many cultures and languages, yet united in one faith, belief, and hope—deeply touched me. I was especially moved by the global unity of our church family and how many projects and initiatives are being carried out to support Adventists and reach the unreached. The testimonies of how the gospel is spreading in difficult places reminded me that the Holy Spirit is still powerfully at work today, and we are all part of one great movement for Christ.
WAREN MUIR, New York Conference
There were many times when tears welled up in my eyes. The prayerful manner of committee members and the respectful tone of business session chairpersons were delightful. The moment of praise when Wintley Phipps led the entire audience in singing “We Have this Hope” one last time was a near-translational experience. I was also delighted during the Parade of Nations to see that the work is advancing in some 212 nations around the world. It is my privilege to be part of God’s remnant Seventh-day Adventist Church.
HECTOR RAMOS, Northeastern Conference
First, the program’s remarkable organization and adherence to time reflected a spirit of excellence and reverence. Second, the leaders distinguished themselves through their evident love, unwavering patience, and deep consecration to God’s work.
DEBORAH THOMAS-GILKES, Bermuda Conference
From start to finish, God’s church demonstrated excellent organization, marked by timely and consistent communication regarding every aspect of the session. … What a joy it was to be among more than 2,000 delegates representing the global church. While we were seated by divisions, the breaks offered beautiful opportunities to connect with brothers and sisters from every corner of the world and to hear how the gospel mission is being carried out in their respective regions.
Visit gcsession.org for video recordings of the daily sessions and worship services in six languages.
