wfn.org | Session Elections Complete Top Leadership

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for Adventist World Church 

July 1, 2000
Adventist Press Service (APD)
Christian B. Schaeffler, Editor-in-chief
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Session Elections Complete Top Adventist Leadership 

Toronto, Canada.     The election on June 30 of 
Pastor Matthew Bediako as General Secretary and 
Pastor Robert Rawson as Treasurer completes the 
three top leadership officers for the Seventh-day 
Adventist World Church. President Jan Paulsen was 
re-elected earlier today by delegates attending 
the 57th World Session meeting in Toronto, Canada.

Bediako, 58, a Ghanaian national, served as a 
general vice-president for the World Church (1990-
2000), and as Field Secretary for four years 
(1986-90). Previously, he worked as president of 
the Adventist Church in West Africa and in Ghana. 
He has both pastoral and educational experience, 
having taught at church schools in Bekwai and 
Asokore. He is married to Elizabeth Coffie Bediako 
and has four grown daughters.

Bediako replaces Pastor G. Ralph Thompson who has 
occupied the position of General Secretary since 
1980. 

"I believe that when God's people meet and pray, 
whatever their decision is, I will abide by it," 
said Bediako, standing beside his wife Elizabeth. 
"We have accepted this responsibility, since we 
believe God will stand by our side. We remember 
the promise, 'My God shall supply all your needs 
in Christ Jesus.' We need you prayers as we take 
up this responsibility and learn to walk in the 
shoes of Pastor Thompson."

Rawson, 63, an American, was returned as 
Treasurer-a position he has held since 1995. He 
has wide experience in treasury matters, with 
previous financial leadership positions in  church 
organizations in the United States of America, as 
well as in Singapore, Japan, and the Philippines. 
He is married to Carolyn Rawson and has four grown 
children.

In his acceptance speech, Rawson paid tribute to 
his wife, and said that "You must know that prayer 
is what gives me the courage to stand before you 
today. It is an honor for me to serve God and the 
Church." [Editor Jonathan Gallagher for ANN/APD]