Pescara, Italy [Notizie Avventiste, CD EUDNews]. The 25th Administrative Assembly of the Adventist Church in Italy ended on Wednesday, February 26 in Montesilvano (PE). There were 323 delegates from all across the country and they elected leaders to take office for the next five years.
Referring to the theme of the Assembly, "I feel that the text 'Be not afraid, go and tell' (Matthew 28:10) is talking directly to me. I ask for the Lord's wisdom, that I may continue to be passionate about this mission," said Stefano Paris, the newly elected president, during his message on the last day of the assembly.
He said that he would continue the work started by the previous administration: "I wish we could join together as a community helping those who suffer, those who are unemployed, those who do not have hope. We are called to serve, to do good, and as the prophet Jeremiah said, our own good depends on the good we do to others. May we be united in theology and sharing the idea of working together for the good of others, staying close to Jesus who is the true water of life."
Pastor Stefano Paris, who was elected last Monday, is the new president of the Italian Union of the Christian Seventh-day Adventist Church (Uicca). He is a young president (46 years old), who has been serving the youth as a Director of the Department since 2005.
After completing his theological studies at the Seventh-day Adventist seminaries in Florence and Collonges-sous-Salève in France, he entered into service in 1995. Ordained as a minister in 2000, he served various churches in the north and center of Italy and in Sicily. He is married to Eleanora Lautizi and has three children: Martina Irene, Flavio Simone and Gaia Chiara.
The Assembly also elected other administrative officers:
Pastor Giuseppe Cupertino, aged 56, is the new secretary. He completed his theological studies at Collonges-sous-Salève and later in the field of social work. Ordained pastor in 1988, he served in the churches of Lesina, Foggia, Bari, Cesena
and Forlì. He was Editor of the Adv Publishing House and has been Director of the nursing home "Casa Mia" since 2005. He is married to Alessandra Olivucci and has two daughters, Chiara and Martha.
Gioele Murittu, 48, was confirmed treasurer. He has been serving as treasurer since April 2012. He studied theology and gained experience in the administrative field in a variety of business firms and corporations. From September 1991 to December 1997, he was responsible for the positions of bookkeeper, customer service manager and production manager of the Adv Publishing House. He is married to Esther Murro and has two sons: Jacopo and Selene.
pictures: 1. The delegates; 2. Stefano Paris, the new President of the UICCA; 3. The Officers: Giuseppe Cupertino, executive secretary, Stefano Paris, President, Gioele Murittu, the Treasurer;
