In the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, the reign of each leader was often summarized with a moral verdict that typically read, “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” or “He did evil in the sight of God.” This article is not intended to be a full evaluation of Elder Ted Wilson’s presidency, but rather a brief summary of how he exited from leadership and the circumstances surrounding that transition.
There were indeed some notable and encouraging developments during the 62nd General Conference Session. Positive steps were taken, and meaningful changes were made—signs that cannot be ignored. While not everything was perfect, there is reason to view these shifts as hopeful. Let us pray and sincerely hope that these changes will last, that further progress will be made, and that the Lord’s will is faithfully carried out in each of our lives. May we remain committed to following His guidance and standing for truth.
No Ecumenical Worship or Interfaith Lunch
The 62nd General Conference Session in 2025 marked a major departure from the previous session by not including any ecumenical luncheons or interfaith gatherings with leaders from other denominations. This stood in sharp contrast to the 61st Session, where Elder Ted Wilson and Ganoune Diop had hosted an interfaith event and promoted the book Let Mutual Love Continue, a publication that honored Rome’s call to ecumenism and echoed sentiments calling for the end of the Protestant Reformation and the reunification of all churches under one global religious body. [1] But in a dramatic and welcome shift, the 2025 session featured no interfaith worship or symbolic gestures aimed at healing historic divides between Adventism and other faiths. This absence is significant, and we are praying that this will represent a conscious and intentional effort at resisting papal ecumenical influence and reaffirming the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s historic prophetic identity. For many that I had the chance to speak with, it is a hopeful sign that our brothers and sisters will begin to reclaim our unique distinctiveness and prophetic identity, especially at the most significant and global gathering of Seventh-day Adventists.
No Vatican Flag Displayed
One notable and highly symbolic change at the 2025 General Conference Session was the absence of the Vatican flag in the Parade of Nations ceremony. In previous sessions, dating back to 1995, the inclusion of the Vatican flag—representing the Holy See—raised deep concern among many faithful Adventists who viewed the act as a troubling sign of solidarity with Rome. [2] While the official intent may have been to include all recognized states in the ceremony, the display of the Vatican flag carried theological implications that clashed with the Adventist Church’s historic prophetic message identifying the papacy as the beast power of Revelation. Such actions risk being misinterpreted as a softening or even abandonment of that prophetic stance. The good news is that in 2025, for the first time in decades, the Vatican flag was not included in the procession. Let us pray that this powerful gesture will be the beginning of an effort to realign ourselves with our historic identity and mission—one that stands apart from the ecumenical spirit of compromise and reaffirms its prophetic voice in a confused and compromising world.
Presentation of the Beast as the Papacy
At the 62nd General Conference Session, a bold and unapologetic presentation reaffirming the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s message took center stage—complete with powerful visuals depicting the beast, the image, and the mark, as outlined in Revelation. Shockingly for some and affirming for many, the presentation included images of popes alongside the symbolic number 666, directly connecting the interpretation of Bible prophecy to the long-standing Adventist identification of Rome as the Antichrist power. [3] To see such a clear and direct message proclaimed at the highest global gathering of the church—and broadcast to the world through official Adventist media—was nothing short of eye-opening. This was no ecumenical message. Say what you will about the Jesuit infiltration, but one thing is certain: the Jesuits didn’t organize this presentation. They never would. The message stood in direct contradiction to Rome’s agenda, serving instead as a powerful reminder that the Adventist Church, though often tempted to compromise, still has voices willing to lift up the trumpet and proclaim the truth entrusted to it.
Elder Ted Wilson’s Unprecedented Exit
During his presidency of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Elder Ted Wilson took a firm stance against those seeking religious liberty exemptions related to the COVID-19 mandates. Despite widespread concern among church members about conscience and personal conviction, Wilson not only shut down meaningful discussion on this issue at two consecutive General Conference Sessions but also used his platform to deliver lengthy speeches framing dissenters as purveyors of conspiracy theories and misinformation. [4] This approach discouraged open dialogue and marginalized members who appealed to the church’s long-standing support of religious freedom, leaving many to feel abandoned by their leadership during a time of moral and spiritual crisis.
A major scandal erupted during the final days of Elder Ted Wilson’s presidency that would cast a long shadow over his legacy. While delivering a forceful speech from the floor, Wilson harshly rebuked delegates who sought to revisit the church’s position on COVID-19 and vaccines, accusing them of spreading misinformation and citing the official 2015 General Conference statement on immunization as evidence. However, observant delegates quickly realized that the version Wilson read from differed significantly from the one that had been publicly posted on the church’s website for over a decade. In an astonishing twist, the online statement was quietly updated that very night to match Wilson’s version.
The next day, facing mounting scrutiny, Wilson returned to the stage to issue a public apology before the full body of delegates and a global livestream audience, claiming the discrepancy was due to a clerical error. In other words, the same document that had shaped the church’s COVID stance, survived a global pandemic, and influenced three General Conference Sessions, was not even the right version—leading Wilson to wrongly accuse others of dishonesty when, in fact, the official document published by ADCOM was in error. The fallout was swift. Just two days after the apology, Wilson’s presidency came to an unceremonious end, marking a dramatic close to his long tenure as the leader of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Elder Ted Wilson entered the 2025 General Conference Session fully expecting to be re-elected, according to individuals close to him. They expressed to me that he was confident and prepared for another term. However, the nominating committee, after much prayerful deliberation, sensed that it was time to turn a new page and chart a new course for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This led to the nomination of Elder Erton Köhler. Despite Wilson’s longstanding influence, the nominating committee ultimately voted for change, signaling a desire for renewed direction in the church. Under the new presidency of Erton Köhler, the church has moved away from the previous stonewalling and lack of communication, and will soon begin a process to actively engage members and listen to their concerns—particularly regarding church policies that negatively affected them during the pandemic. We thank God for this shift in attitude and for leadership that is showing a willingness to listen and respond.
Ganoune Diop Gone
Ganoune Diop, the longtime Director for Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, also fully expected to continue in his role under the new administration. I had the opportunity to speak with him personally and conduct an interview to clarify some of his past public statements. I asked him about his health and if he was willing to continue serving the church if asked to serve another term. He assured me that he was. I asked him specifically about a comment he had previously made, stating that he does not preach the Three Angels’ Messages, only Jesus. Wanting to give him a fair opportunity to clarify or reframe his words, I invited him to explain what he meant. [5]
Rather than acknowledging that his phrasing may have been misunderstood or poorly chosen, Diop flatly denied ever making such a statement, insisting that any claim to the contrary was “nonsense.” However, we presented his denial alongside actual footage of him making that very remark. The response was immediate. The video spread rapidly online, sparking widespread concern among Adventists. Andrew Henriques of Saved to Serve released a scathing analysis that gained significant traction. Just four days later, the General Conference nominating committee announced that it was recommending a new director and that Diop was out.
It was time for a new direction, and the nominating committee concluded that the church needed to move forward without the lingering controversies and baggage associated with the outgoing administration. The decision marked a clear break from the era of Ted Wilson and his closest associates. During the closing ceremonies when awards and recognition were given to leaders for their long service to the church, Ganoune Diop was not included in that ceremony. He wasn’t given the flowers or the recognition for his service or any of the fanfare associated with retirement.
The Expanding Role of External Media
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have participated—not just as an observer—at the 62nd General Conference Session, but as an official member of the external media team. “External media” refers to media and news ministries that are not owned or operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The General Conference has taken a more inclusive and expansive approach to media engagement, inviting individuals like myself and Pastor James Desvallons, from Advent Media Connect, to apply for access. That in itself is a significant and positive shift.
As members of the external media, we have a role to fulfill: to report, to ask questions, and to engage. I’m 100% certain that when the General Conference extended the invitation for me to apply, they knew I wasn’t going to be asking questions like, “What’s your favorite animal?” or “What color do you like best?” I asked the questions that many members care deeply about—topics such as papal encyclicals, United Nations agendas, Conrad Vine, Ron Kelly, COVID vaccines, Christian nationalism, Sunday laws, and about remaining true to our message. These are serious, meaningful questions, and they deserve attention.
What’s most important is that conversations are happening. Leaders are listening—and they are also speaking. We listen, too. This is an opportunity not just to meet and engage with one another, but to pray together and for each other. That’s what we’re called to do. It also means raising the issues that aren’t being widely discussed, providing space for voices that have often gone unheard. That’s a good sign—it shows there’s room for dialogue, not just monologue. It’s a forum for engagement and growth, something that has too often been lacking within our own ranks.
Accountability is not just for leadership; it’s for all of us, including external media. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard—God’s law—by being truthful, redemptive, and fair in our reporting. I’m not talking about censorship or cancel culture. I’m talking about using the power of media to save, to build up, to restore, to affirm, to encourage—and, when necessary, to admonish in love.
The Future
What does all of this mean, and how will it impact the future? I can’t predict the future—and I don’t need to, because God already has. Scripture makes it clear that a shaking is coming, and in many ways, it has already begun. We still face serious challenges, and we are not yet fully where God wants us to be. But I’ve seen evidence that, yes, we can honor God in our decisions. We can make changes that lead to greater faithfulness and benefit the entire body. Most importantly, we can—and must—ask the Lord to reveal His will to us, as outlined in His Word, and then have the grace to follow it. Ultimately, prophecy will be fulfilled, and God will have a purified, distinct Remnant people upon whom He will pour out the power of the Latter Rain. Let us remain hopeful and attentive to the voice of God, trusting in His desire to lead, correct, and prepare us for the final work.
Sources
[3] https://adventmessenger.org/the-62nd-gc-session-exposed-the-beast-of-bible-prophecy/
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Elder Ted Wilson’s legacy is unfortunate his being caught in a Lie saying they had the wrong details on their website for 10 years is ridiculous, it was also featured on around six other websites,
His “correction” to the statement needs to be Also removed, as prior that statement was in great error placing peer reviewed science on par with The Bible & Spirit of Prophecy….
The Revision (far worse) has the Bible & SOP being informed/defaulting to it
Making God’s Truth to be informed by pharmaceutical lies is surely wrong on any level,
Wondering if there’s some outside influences leaning on the GC to push such a stance,
Remembering how Kluase Schwab stated he would tapp into the Religious Leaders,
Adventism sadly under Elder Ted Wilson uplifted Science “Falsely so called” about any “Thus saith the Lord.”
Not sure how these items will ever be resolved without promises that it wouldn’t happen again
The only thing we can be hopeful about is the sure Word of Prophecy and horpful in God.
• Our only work is to reprove, rebuke, and ministering to the lost house of israel:
“6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. ” Matthew 10:6-8 KJV
• The shaking MUST take place:
“Satan will work his miracles to deceive; he will set up his power as supreme. The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out—the chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place. None but those who have been overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony will be found with the loyal and true, without spot or stain of sin, without guile in their mouths. We must be divested of our self-righteousness and arrayed in the righteousness of Christ.
The remnant that purify their souls by obeying the truth gather strength from the trying process, exhibiting the beauty of holiness amid the surrounding apostasy.” 2SM 380.2 – 2SM 380.3
• there are those who will stiffen their necks to the voice of reproof:
“There are those among us who will make confessions, as did Achan, too late to save themselves. … They are not in harmony with right. They despise the straight testimony that reaches the heart, and would rejoice to see everyone silenced who gives reproof.”—Testimonies for the Church 3:272 (1873). LDE 175.4
• If they refuse to hear, then we dust off our shoes and move on:
“13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. ” Matthew 10:13-15 KJV
• Let us not work against God because we put our hopes in doing a work He has never granted us to do; choking the work of the Holy Spirit by attempting to force a conviction on stiff necked individuals. We are to provide the evidence by exposing darkness/error with light/truth, and rebuking sin without condemnation.
“The only channel through which the Spirit operates is that of the truth. The spirit of truth works upon the human agent to convince of sin, of righteousness, and of a judgment to come.” 9LtMs, Lt 12, 1894, par. 14
“Those who have had privileges and opportunities to become intelligent in regard to the truth and yet who continue to counterwork the work God would have accomplished will be purged out, for God accepts the service of no man whose interest is divided.”—Manuscript 64, 1898 LDE 175.1
“We are to be ready and waiting for the orders of God.” 2SM 380.1
This is a serious concern. Let us not deceive ourselves and deceive others. What really need to take place did not take place. As long as that system is there and groups of men continue like before, we are not to let our guard down. Could you imagine being a soldier in battle and the enemy was pushed back a little; it seems like the enemy retreated, does that mean that they completely left the battle field and given up the war? It could be deadly to believe so! It would take great diligence to make sure that you are not in any danger to fall into a trap. Just because the enemy seemed to suffer a small defeat does not mean he is defeated. He could be regrouping hoping that you let your guard down, or amassing greater numbers and artillery. These are tactics!
We cannot at this time in earth’s history not recognize that we are in a battle, spiritual warfare! This is reality! Understanding this truth will cause us to look at things differently, because satan has plans and tactics. satan and his agents are using everything possible to deceive, mislead, and keep our buts in the pews sleeping. If we think that satan agents can’t give such a sermon, I challenge you to consider this.
First of all we need to recognize what the real battle in the sda church is; it’s the battle between spiritual sleep and spiritually awakened – doing the work God has commissioned us to do, and resisting the enemy’s advances. We are told that it is Present Truth God’s people need now!
What good is it to hear the same thing over and over again.
Its one thing to preach to sda prophecy about the pope and mark of the beast and so on, something that all SDA’s already know, or any other thing in the Bible.
Question is, does this message arouse and awaken us to take action?
We are living in a time of emergency!
Does it lead us to confession, repentance, revival, and reformation?
I hope that we can see that there were great efforts made to quite ans silence the agitation that was being created over those few delegates and others who brought forth the issues; we saw this with other situations like in MI. Why? Because the the enemy cannot allow these issues to continue, because it will agitate and wake up the sleeping majority in our church. It will arouse others to break the yoke and take up the mantle. As long as they can keep SDA’s asleep so that they cannot warn the world – exposing them and save themselves in doing so, is what they desire.
See, satan can preach prophecy in our church. As long as it’s not being connected to current events inside and outside our church which is Present Truth, and exposing his snares, then his agents can accomplish this.
I am by no means saying that this man who gave that presentation at the gc session is an agent. I dont know him, however, my point is we need to wake up fully. A counterfeit could be a ratio of 99% truth to 1% error, nonetheless it is still poisonous and deadly.
My advice is not to trust anyone who gives a message in this time, that does not arouse you to take action. We have a work to do in warning the world, let’s do it without any known hindrances.
“Satan is pressing in on every side, and unless we watch for him, and have our eyes open to his devices and snares, and have on the whole armor of God, the fiery darts of the wicked will hit us. There are many precious truths contained in the Word of God, but it is “present truth” that the flock needs now. I have seen the danger of the messengers running off from the important points of present truth, to dwell upon subjects that are not calculated to unite the flock and sanctify the soul. Satan will here take every possible advantage to injure the cause.” EW 63.1
The present truth, the special message given to our world, even the third angel’s message, comprehends a vast field, containing heavenly treasures. No one can be excusable who says, I will no longer have anything to do with these special messages; I will preach Christ. No one can preach Christ, and present the truth as it is in Jesus, unless he presents the truths that are to come before the people at the present time, when such important developments are taking place.” 12LtMs, Ms 33, 1897, par. 24
“Satan is constantly at work, but few have any idea of his activity and subtlety. The people of God must be prepared to withstand the wily foe. It is this resistance that Satan dreads. He knows better than we do the limit of his power and how easily he can be overcome if we resist and face him. Through divine strength the weakest saint is more than a match for him and all his angels, and if brought to the test he would be able to prove his superior power. Therefore Satan’s step is noiseless, his movements stealthy, and his batteries masked. He does not venture to show himself openly, lest he arouse the Christian’s dormant energies and send him to God in prayer.
The enemy is preparing for his last campaign against the church. He has so concealed himself from view that many can hardly believe that he exists, much less can they be convinced of his amazing activity and power. They have to a great extent forgotten his past record; and when he makes another advance move, they will not recognize him as their enemy, that old serpent, but they will consider him a friend, one who is doing a good work. Boasting of their independence they will, under his specious, bewitching influence, obey the worst impulses of the human heart and yet believe that God is leading them. Could their eyes be opened to distinguish their captain, they would see that they are not serving God, but the enemy of all righteousness. They would see that their boasted independence is one of the heaviest fetters Satan can rivet on unbalanced minds…
The worst enemies we have are those who are trying to destroy the influence of the watchmen upon the walls of Zion. Satan works through agents. He is making an earnest effort here. He works according to a definite plan, and his agents act in concert. A line of unbelief stretches across the continent and is in communication with the church of God. Its influence has been exerted to undermine confidence in the work of the Spirit of God. This element is here and is silently working. Be careful lest you be found aiding the enemy of God and man by spreading false reports and by criticisms and decided opposition.” 5T 293.4 – 5T 294.3
Excellent points, amen!!
I want to express my appreciation on your work at the GC press conference.
Let me say, that you were a representative of me as lay member (and hoperfully several others), as you were “bold” enough to raise those questions in a respectful way, what official delegates (at least from my conference and even from my division) would not asked.
Fot me this occassion was a good step toward that transparency and accountability, what I was hoping for when pr Ted Wilson held his inaguration speach in 2010. We had to wait for it, but at least something has started…In my eyes this was one of the biggest positive change I have observed in this session.
I was wondering, – and I would had love to been there and ask – if there will be occassions or platforms in the church, where representatives of media will be able to ask questions between GC conference sessions ?
Do I understand correctly, that the external media were representeted only by Advent Messenger and Advent Media Connect only, or there were others as well ?
Interfaith Lunch
It is rather sad that people who claim to uphold writings of Elle White, ignore her on matters she speak to when it does not agree with their view. Are not pastors supposed to work for pastors of other faiths? What is wrong with an interfaith lunch of pastors meeting with other pastors to build relationships? How can they speak to them about the things of God if they have no relationship with them?
Vatican Flag
What is wrong with the Vatican flag at the GC session? DO we believe that people in the Vatican cannot be saved? Are we not trying to reach all nations with the gospel?
If there is an issue with the Vatican flag, then there needs to be the same issue with the image to the beast flag. It is amazing how we lose it over irrelevant things, while missing it on the irrelevant things. Any reason why St, Louis is probably no better because of the Adventist Session being held there?
Ganoune Diop
To say Diop was not given any flowers or recognition for his service or retirement is untrue. Diop was recognized in the closing service on July 12 with all the persons who were retiring at the Session. His name was called and service record was read. However, like a few others he was not present. Just because you may not like how Diop may have done his job is no way to misrepresent the facts on the recognition the church gave to him.
As a longtime “former member,” but always having fully believed in the Adventist message my whole life, it has been unbelievable to see a book released by the main leader of the church that leaves out the most important parts of the Great Controversy, and to see that decisions were made without proper voting, and with no intent to give people in the church and employees of the church their right to choose whether to vaccinate or not, among other issues.
Religious Liberty magazine was always my favorite publication. It was shocking to me to see how the Religious Liberty Department had changed and departed from former philosophy and stance, a staple of Adventism. A friend told me I just didn’t understand how things work in the church and that nothing could be done. I believe a true leader can stand up for what is right, and that obviously didn’t happen.
I’m so thankful for these unexpected changes in the leadership and am thankful for Andy Roman standing up for what is right and his being used by God to make significant, needed change in the Conference.
The Lord obviously is leading. Amen!
I’m assuming Diop lost face and didn’t want to show his at the closing service.