Erton Köhler Makes History After Being Elected New SDA President
In a historic moment for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Brazilian pastor Erton Carlos Köhler has been elected as the new President of the General Conference, making him the first South American to ever lead the global denomination.
The announcement was made on Friday, 4 July 2025, during the 62nd General Conference Session in St. Louis, USA. Of the 1,909 delegates who cast their votes using the digital platform ElectionBuddy, an overwhelming majority, 1,721, voted in Köhler’s favour.
Erton Köhler Voted New SDA Church Global President
Taking the stage with his wife Adriene and their children by his side, Köhler admitted he was overwhelmed by the moment. He said no one could ever be fully prepared for such a responsibility. Reflecting on a Bible verse he had shared with his family during Friday night worship, Köhler quoted Isaiah 41:10 — a passage that reminded him to stay strong and not be afraid because God is with him.
He then urged the global church to remain united:
“This is no time for division. Our mission will be accomplished when we are together,” he continued. “I believe in integration… Moving forward together is the call we have received from the Lord… We appreciate all opinions, because we are one family.”
Köhler also took a moment to thank outgoing president Elder Ted Wilson and his family for their years of service. He said the way forward for the Church should be marked by “communion with the Lord, unity, identity, and mission.”
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A Brief Biography of Elder Erton Carlos Köhler
Born in 1969, Köhler has spent more than three decades serving the Adventist Church, beginning as a pastor in São Paulo in the early 1990s. Since 2021, he’s served as Executive Secretary of the General Conference.
Though Brazilian by nationality, Köhler also has German roots. He speaks fluent Portuguese, Spanish, and English.
Köhler holds degrees in theology and pastoral ministry and is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry at Andrews University in the United States. His wife Adriene is a nurse, and together they have two children.
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