Pacific Union Conference Elects New Officers at 32nd Constituency Session

By Becky St. Clair

On August 16-17, the Pacific Union Conference held its 32nd Constituency Session in Indian Wells, California. Three hundred and one delegates from across the five-state region gathered to vote on bylaws changes and new leadership for the upcoming quinquennium.

Though delegates were gathered to conduct business for the union, there was also ample time to worship together in song, Scripture, and spoken word. Bradford Newton, outgoing president of the union, provided the message on Sunday evening. He told the story of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics when Derek Redmond tore his hamstring while competing in the 400-meter race. “The people of God are on the final sprint to the finish line,” Newton said. “May each of us live each day in anticipation of His soon return, when the race will be won.”

To close the evening, the conferences split into caucuses to nominate the members of the union’s executive committee. In honor of the union’s 125th anniversary, each delegate, when leaving the session Sunday evening, was given a commemorative book written by Newton.

On Monday morning, Ricardo Viloria, president of Central California Conference, shared a brief segment about the San Francisco Central church fire and subsequent partnership of Central church and the Philadelphian church in San Francisco. His presentation was accompanied by video taken the week of the fire.

Monday morning’s message was given by G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division. He shared about his childhood, when he and his siblings would keep a lookout for their parents coming home so they’d know when it was time to quickly clean up. When they saw the dust cloud at the end of the driveway, they knew it was time.

“What I see in the world today is all dust clouds,” Bryant said. “I have come to tell you that Jesus is on His way, and He’s coming back soon.”

The business portion of the Monday session began with the Nominating Committee report, provided by Bryant, chair of the committee. He presented the candidates for union leadership for the 2026-2031 quinquennium, and the delegates then affirmed the committee’s nominations with approving votes. The newly elected union administrative team is as follows:

Following the introduction of the officers, Bryant delivered their charge and offered a prayer of consecration over them. “Guard your own life while doing the work of the Lord,” he instructed the leaders. “Anchor yourself in truth. Lead with servant-hearted love. Recognize that you serve a higher authority. May God grant you His peace, grace, wisdom, guidance, and strong arm.”

Then Bryant prayed, “I pray for these officers, their spouses, and their homes. Please send them extra angels and grant them health. And may our next constituency session be in heaven. Amen.”

Woodson, newly elected union president, made a few remarks after being voted in. “I am deeply humbled and honored,” he said. “I love the Pacific Union. This is my home, and I look forward to serving with these good people. Let us work together in faith as we go forward. The time is close for His return, and we must work together. Please keep us in your prayers as we do this work. May God bless the great Pacific Union Conference.”

Sandra Roberts, executive secretary for the union and chair of the Bylaws Committee, and Jose Marin, executive secretary of the Northern California Conference and secretary of the committee, presented the bylaws amendments to be considered:

A request was made to consider doing away with the term “layperson” and instead using “non-denominationally employed” or something similar. This will be considered for the next constituency session. Each of these amendments and edits passed.

Ruby Joy Alabat Evasco, audit manager for General Conference Auditing Service, presented the audit report and affirmed that the audit opinion issued on all reports was the highest level: unmodified. “The financial statements are clearly presented in all material, utilizing accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.,” Alabat Evasco stated to close her report.

Following the audit report, outgoing officers were honored for their service:

“Thank you for your service,” Woodson remarked. “You have a passion for ministry, and we thank you for your vision and diligence.”

Before entertaining a motion to adjourn, incoming Pacific Union President Marc K. Woodson shared a few closing thoughts. “For those of you who have served as delegates, you took the time to help your church.” He noted there was a high school student serving as a delegate from Northern California Conference. “They need to see how our church works,” Woodson said. “Thank you for being an example to the young people in the church. Now let’s get ready to go home and hear ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’”