By Rahim Abdul
The 62nd General Conference Session of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, currently underway in St. Louis, United States, has witnessed a significant milestone.
Elder Dr. Erton Carlos Köhler, a Brazilian of German origin, has been elected as the President of the General Conference.
This marks a historic moment, as Köhler becomes the first South American to hold this esteemed position.
Born in 1969, Köhler follows in his father’s footsteps, having served as a pastor in São Paulo from 1990 to 1994.
Over the past three decades, he has held various leadership roles within the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Köhler’s academic credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, a Master’s degree in Pastoral Theology from the Brazilian Adventist University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Andrews University.
Köhler is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, which will undoubtedly facilitate his work as the global leader of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
He succeeds Elder Ted Wilson and is married to Adriene Marques. This new chapter in the church’s history is expected to bring fresh perspectives and leadership to the global Adventist community.
