Bjørn Ottesen Appointed President of Danish Union
17 April 2024 |
Bjørn Ottesen has been appointed as the new president of the Danish Union of Churches Conference (DUChC), according to the Adventist Review, following a meeting held on March 25. He succeeds Thomas Müller, who recently accepted a position as headteacher at Vejlefjordskolen in Daugård.
Ottesen is experienced in leadership roles both in Denmark and Sweden, and his resume includes stints as a local pastor, Bible teacher, and head of Theological Studies and Senior Lecturer at Newbold College of Higher Education in Bracknell, England. Ottesen holds a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.
During the announcement of his presidency, Ottesen acknowledged Müller’s contributions, saying, “I would like to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to our outgoing president, Thomas Müller, who has served with dedication, and who has given tremendous effort over the past 12 years.” Ottesen also expressed optimism about the future, stating that he was excited to make a contribution during the “particularly exciting period of development” happening in the Adventist Church in Denmark.
Daniel Duda, President of the Trans-European Division, welcomed Ottesen’s new role. He highlighted Ottesen’s capabilities as an experienced church administrator and his previous roles as Ministerial Association secretary and departmental director for evangelism and mission. “I am looking forward to a good collaboration and exciting future for our church in Denmark,” Duda remarked.
Ottesen is scheduled to serve as president of the DUChC until the next General Conference Session in 2025, where elections for union officers will be held.
