Image: L-R: GC Treasurer Paul Douglas, GC Associate Director of Communications Sam Neves, and GC Executive Secretary Rick McEdward

by Björn Karlman

Yesterday, the announcement of division presidents for all 13 world divisions doubled as a sad reminder: not a single woman among them. At the July 7 General Conference (GC) Session press conference, I put a direct question to the newly elected General Conference (GC) executive secretary, Rick McEdward, and re-elected GC treasurer, Paul Douglas: would they be comfortable with a woman taking their job? My question was inspired by an afternoon session comment from the floor by Timothy G. Standish, a research scientist at the Geoscience Research Institute and Adjunct Associate Professor of Earth and Biological Sciences at Loma Linda University. He stressed the power of the incumbent in the many re-elected faces among division presidents and also pointed out the lack of women represented. The responses from McEdward and Douglas offered a glimpse into the GC leadership’s perspective on gender equity.

McEdwards: “I Owe My Life to a Woman”

McEdwards started with a personal touch, referencing his three older sisters (“all powerful women”) and his mother. “I am probably the quiet one in the family,” he quipped, before pivoting to a more serious note: “I not only owe my life to a woman, my mother, but I respect women in work and in ministry.”

On the big question—would he be okay with a woman in his role?—McEdwards was clear: “I would have no problem if someday a woman in leadership would be there.” But he quickly added a caveat: “The key is having exposure to leadership roles along the way…. It has to be somehow intentional or deliberate on our part to develop [women leaders].” In other words, don’t expect a revolution overnight, but maybe, just maybe, the groundwork is being laid in the post-Wilson era.

Douglas: “The Power of Prayer, Not Incumbency”

Paul Douglas, with a more somber demeanor, took a different tack. He reframed the “power of the incumbent” as the “power of prayer.” The nominating committee process, he insisted, is a spiritual one. “If a person who is the incumbent is the one that’s elected again… it’s not premised on incumbency but the leading of God’s spirit that was asked for through prayer.”

On the question of women in leadership, Douglas offered some specifics: one woman on the GC treasury team, two women as division treasurers, and a stated “intentional effort” to provide opportunities for women to advance. “It will take some time,” he admitted, “but you won’t get there if you don’t start.”

Intentions vs. Reality

Both leaders used the language of intention and process. There was respect, there was openness, and there was a nod to the need for “deliberate” action. But if you were waiting for a bold, unequivocal call for gender equity at the top, you’d have to keep waiting. The message was: we’re working on it, but don’t expect to see a woman in these seats just yet.

The Bottom Line

The GC’s top officers were gracious, even earnest, in their responses. They acknowledged the optics, the need for intentionality, and the slow pace of change. The conversation is happening. The answers are evolving. But for those looking for a sea change, the wait continues.

To comment, click/tap here.

Björn Karlman is the executive director of Adventist Today.