Seventh-day Adventist leader re-elected

ST. LOUIS - The 70-year-old leader of the Seventh-day Adventist Church was re-elected president Friday at the group’s worldwide conference. Jan Paulsen was selected by a nominating committee of 196 delegates.

The general body of about 2,000 delegates then approved him in what was called an unanimous vote - raising paper cards signaling their approval.

“I will do my very best to serve the Lord and his people as I best know how,” Paulsen said.

About 70,000 Seventh-day Adventist members began a 10-day meeting here Thursday at the America’s Center convention center. The group elects its presidents at the conferences, which are held every five years.

Paulsen, who has served seven years, won his post after a previous president, Robert Folkenberg Jr., resigned.

The denomination has grown from more than 3 million members in 1980 to about 14 million baptized members in more than 200 countries, according to church statistics.

The Adventists are known for their emphasis on both good health and strong education. Members, many of whom are vegetarians, do not drink alcohol or use tobacco, and caffeine is discouraged.

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