Updates from 62nd General Conference Session • July 3-12, 2025

July 8, 2025

Highlights from the highest governing body of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

By Dustin Jones

UCC Communications Director



GC Session began Wednesday, July 3, and will continue to July 12. We ask for your continued prayers for this important event. The following are highlights and updates that may be of interest from General Conference Session so far:


Top News

Erton Köhler Elected GC President

AP News Interviews New GC President

Behind the Scenes


G. Alexander Bryant Elected NAD President


Total Member Involvement Reaffirmed


Delegates Vote In Five New Division Presidents


Church Growth Leads to Need for New and Reorganized Unions



Inspiration

How Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church Elect Its Leaders?


Adventist Health-Care Institutions Prescribe Whole-Person Care


Adventist Church Presents Gift to City of St. Louis for Tornado Relief


Women Delegates at GC Session Help Shape the Future of the Church


Pastors for Pastors: Chaplaincy during the 2025 GC Session


Prayer Initiatives Strengthen Global Adventist Church Meetings


The Caucus — Why We Ought to Be Praying Instead of Grumbling



Notable Highlights

Delegates Support Amendment to Clarify Church Nominating Committee Responsibilities


Delegates Vote against Amendment to Discuss 2015 Statement on Immunization


General Conference President Ted Wilson Issues Corrective Statement on Immunization Remarks


• Reevaluation of 2015 Immunization Statement Prompted by Decade-long Inaccuracy


• Delegates Vote Down Proposal to Present Annual Council Items at Spring Council Meetings


Delegates Support Amendment Encouraging Redemptive Membership Review


Proposed Amendment to Church Manual on Pastoral Responsibilities Returns to Committee


Adventist Review Ministries Reverts to Adventist Review


Amended Rules of Order Seek to Expedite, Prevent Delays in Church Business



For full information about decisions and updates, please see gcsession.org.

News

By Stefanie Brimacomb August 16, 2026
After nearly thirty years of prayer, sacrifice, volunteer labor, and unwavering faith, the Grangeville Church celebrated the dedication of its new sanctuary on June 6, 2026
By Isaac Meythaler August 12, 2026
Following a surge in northwest wildfires, ACS has currently raised more than $10,000 through generous donations towards disaster response.
By David Jamieson August 11, 2026
God continues to bless UCC in unexpected ways!
By Richie Brower August 11, 2026
While each UCC regional camp meeting had its own distinct flavor, one message echoed through them all: Jesus.
By David Jamieson August 5, 2026
Wildfire — Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus
By Isaac Meythaler July 27, 2026
From April 26 to May 3, 2026, a group of 82 Maranatha volunteers, ranging from 8–87 years old, repaired, restored and renovated Camp MiVoden in preparation for summer ministry.
By Contributed Report July 20, 2026
“Try with Jesus” was the rallying cry of the evangelistic caravan, which took place in nine different locations across Upper Columbia Conference from April 17–25, 2026.
By Isaac Meythaler July 14, 2026
During a meeting of the Upper Columbia Conference executive committee held May 7, 2026, Richie Brower was appointed as director of the recently formed community engagement department.
By Isaac Meythaler July 14, 2026
During a meeting of the Upper Columbia Conference executive committee held May 7, 2026, Tim Shafer was appointed as director of Information and Technology Services.
By Isaac Meythaler June 15, 2026
This spring, Yakima Valley Adventurers enjoyed an exciting and educational field trip to learn more about bees, honey production, and polination.