From July 3 to 12, the 62nd session of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is taking place. For many, this global event is somewhat unclear. Here is a brief, non-exhaustive summary of the key aspects of this quinquennial gathering.
This year, 2,804 delegates representing 212 countries traveled to St. Louis (Missouri, USA). Among them, about a hundred delegates from our (Inter-European) Division, including three from our Federation: Yves Pierre, Martine Geeroms and Adelin Costache (with his wife Diana).
These delegates are invited to vote on various topics:
- the election of global leaders, including Division administrators
- changes to the Church Manual
- changes to the Church’s operating rules
- adaptations of the fundamental beliefs
This meeting also provides an opportunity to discover the Church from another perspective—one of procedures and regulations, but also cultural and mental diversity. You can see all the secondary institutions (publishing houses, schools, support ministries, etc.) and the range of their activities, initiatives, and materials displayed at numerous booths. Not to mention the musical moments, presentations of the 13 Divisions with their joys and challenges, the Parade of Nations, encounters, and reunions in the hallways…
Other highlights include times of reflection, especially during the two Sabbaths. The Dome, rather sparsely filled during administrative sessions, then fills with a special fervor. In his first sermon after his election, the new General Conference President, Erton Köhler (of Brazilian origin and previously executive secretary), emphasized the mission and boldness with which we must proclaim the message of the Gospel.
Another notable event is the appointment of Rúben de Abreu as Executive Secretary of our Division. Ruben will soon leave the Franco-Belgian Union and move to Bern, where he will work alongside Barna Magyarosi, also newly elected as President of the Inter-European Division, and Norbert Zens, who was re-elected Treasurer. We already wish them many blessings and much wisdom in facing the challenges ahead.
Despite the global scale of the General Conference, we must never forget that each of us individually is called to be and to make disciples. The man on the street, the neighbor, the friend, the colleague can only be touched by Christ if we are a bridge between him and his Savior. May God help each of us, at our own level, inspire us and fill us with His Spirit.