Ugandan Adventists celebrate Köhler’s rise as hopeful turn for youth
Köhler, 55, a native of southern Brazil, was elected during the 62nd General Conference Session held in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, on July 4, 2025.
President Erton Carlos Köhler in the day 2 press conference at the 62nd General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, America’s Center Convention Complex, St. Louis, Missouri, USA, July 3-12, 2025. (Courtesy photo)
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Pastor Erton Köhler, a passionate leader known for his dedication to the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) mission, has been elected the 21st General Conference President of the worldwide SDA Church.
Köhler, 55, a native of southern Brazil, was elected during the 62nd General Conference Session held in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, on July 4, 2025.
The session, which brought together over 2,000 delegates from 212 countries, marked a major leadership transition for the global church.
Uganda’s representation and role
Uganda was represented at the session by a 26-member delegation led by the Uganda union president, Pastor Dr Moses Maka Ndimukika.
Ted N. C. Wilson, President, General Conference (GC), welcoming delegates and guests to the General Conference Session at the opening meeting on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Erton Carlos Köhler, Executive Secretary, General Conference (GC), welcoming delegates and guests to the General Conference Session at the opening meeting on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The 62nd General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, America’s Center Convention Complex, St. Louis, Missouri, USA, July 3-12, 2025. (Courtesy photo)
The Ugandan representatives joined delegates from other unions globally to participate in both worship and business sessions that culminated in the election of new church leadership.
In his acceptance speech, Köhler reaffirmed his trust in God and thanked the global church for placing their confidence in him.
“This was not an easy decision. It was very difficult for my family, and we hesitated before giving our final answer,” he said.
He anchored his remarks in scripture, quoting Isaiah 41:10: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee... I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Köhler expressed gratitude to the global Adventist family, noting that they were renewing their collective commitment to God and seeking His guidance for the Church’s future.
“Every time we change leadership, everything feels new. But we don’t want to see humans leading, we want to see the Lord leading,” he said.
“If you are a faithful member of this Church, I count on your prayers, your support, and your kindness.”
He emphasised unity of mission and urged members to set aside differences for the sake of spiritual progress.
“This is not the time for division,” Köhler said.
“We have different perspectives, but we share the same Lord, the same Bible, the same message, and the same identity. Let us move forward together.”
About the election process
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is globally structured into 13 divisions, each composed of several unions.
Each union sends delegates to the General Conference Session based on the number of local fields they have. For example, Uganda has 12 fields and therefore sends a proportionate number of representatives.
At the General Conference, a nominating committee comprising representatives from all 13 divisions convenes in a private session to elect the new president.
Typically, the committee considers two or three qualified candidates before making a final selection.
What Uganda expects from the new leader
Speaking to the press at the Adventist Centre in Kampala on Sunday, July 6, Pastor Rogers Kaggwa, the SDA Church's communications director in Uganda, praised Köhler as a visionary and mission-driven leader.
Pastor Rogers Kaggwa, the SDA Church's Communications Director in Uganda speaking to the press at the Adventist Centre in Kampala on July 6, 2025. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)
“The new president is deeply focused on mission. He’s passionate about bringing hope, salvation, health, and education to communities, especially those that haven’t yet encountered Jesus,” said Kaggwa.
He added that under Köhler’s leadership, the Church is placing emphasis on repentance and personal transformation, with the hope of nurturing Christians who will positively impact today’s morally challenged society.
Kaggwa also expressed optimism that Church-run educational institutions in Uganda would grow under Köhler’s tenure.
“He is passionate about preaching to young people, many of whom are found in our schools. We anticipate growth and renewal in that area,” he said.
Who Is Pastor Erton Köhler?
Pastor Köhler was born into a family of three generations of pastors in southern Brazil. He holds a bachelor’s degree in theology (1989) and a master's degree in pastoral theology (2008) from the Brazilian Adventist University.
He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Andrews University in the United States.
His ministry began in 1990 as a local pastor in São Paulo. Over the years, he has served in various leadership roles, including youth ministries director at multiple levels and Conference Secretary.
In 2007, he became president of the South American division, where he led the Adventist Church across the continent.
In April 2021, Köhler was elected general conference executive secretary, one of the Church’s top three global positions, until his elevation to the presidency on 4 July 2025.
Köhler is a strong supporter of “Mission Refocus”, a global initiative aimed at reaching urban centres, secular populations, and unreached people groups. His leadership style is marked by collaboration, cultural inclusion, and youth engagement.
He is married to Adriene Marques, and they have two children: Marianna, a university student pursuing psychology, and Mateos, who is following in his father’s footsteps as a pastor.
As Köhler steps into his new role, he carries with him a vision of unity, spiritual revival, and mission expansion.
“We are stronger when we are together,” he said. “Let us invest all our energy in the mission of this Church and the word of God. The world needs to see Christ in us now more than ever.”