Seventh‑Day Adventist Church Elects First Female President in Brazil

During a special assembly in Brazil, the Seventh‑Day Adventist Church has elected its first woman to lead the church’s Brazilian Union Conference, marking a historic break in tradition for the denomination.

At age 46, Pastor Ana Paula da Silva was chosen to serve as president of the Brazil Union Conference, one of the church’s largest national divisions. Her election took place at the church headquarters in Brasília, where members applauded her leadership, pastoral experience, and commitment to community service.

Pastor da Silva began her ministry in 2005 and later became a regional pastoral coordinator, overseeing dozens of congregations. She has been actively involved in youth outreach and education programs, championing efforts to expand social services and strengthen pastoral training.

In her acceptance speech, da Silva emphasized unity and innovation, saying the church must remain “faithful to our spiritual roots while adapting to meet the needs of modern families.” She highlighted areas for growth, including strengthening mental-health resources, enhancing youth engagement, and boosting support for remote communities across Brazil.

The denomination in Brazil counts more than 1.4 million members. Electing the first female president reflects a gradual turning point in church leadership, which has traditionally been dominated by men. Church officials described da Silva’s appointment as a source of pride and a catalyst for inclusive change.

Pastor da Silva takes office immediately and will serve a five‑year term. Her leadership sets a precedent that may influence broader conversations about gender roles within the global Seventh‑Day Adventist Church.

With input from AP News