President of the Bahamian Senate reflects on General Conference Session

Lashell Adderley emphasizes readiness, representation, and the global unity of the Adventist Church.

July 22, 2025 | St. Louis, Missouri, United States | July Michelle Greene, Atlantic Caribbean Union and IAD News Staff

The Honorable J. LaShell Adderley, President of the Senate of The Bahamas, joined thousands of Seventh-day Adventist members and leaders at the 62nd General Conference Session in St. Louis, Missouri. During her visit, she reflected on the theme of the session: “Jesus is Coming. I Will Go.”

“This is a fundamental and core belief of the Seventh-day Adventist Church,” said Adderley. “It means that I must be ready. It means that I must spread His word. It means that I must be true to who I am as a Christian.”

The Honorable J. LaShell Adderley, president of the Senate in The Bahamas, addresses more than 100 delegates and guests during a special Bahamian Independence Day celebration on July 10 at the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. [Photo: Michelle Greene/SBC]

“Each and every one of us should be out there furthering the gospel of Jesus Christ, because, yes, He is coming,” she stated.

Raised in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Adderley is a member of the Johnson Park Seventh-day Adventist Church in New Providence, The Bahamas.

Representation on a Global Stage

Appointed President of the Senate in 2021, Adderley is the fifth woman to serve in this national role. As both a national leader and church member, she praised the international scope of the GC Session and the importance of representation in church decision-making.

“When you look at the total composition of the global church, there are about 25 million church members in 215 countries,” she noted.

“[It] should reflect our diversity. There should be a balance—giving representation to the global church, so that when policies, practices, and procedures are implemented, they reflect the full culture of the worldwide body.”

Scharlee Swain (left) of the South Bahamas Conference was the the youngest delegate representing the Atlantic Caribbean Union and is being interviewed by Pastor Henry Moncur, communication director of the Atlantic Caribbean Union during the 62nd General Conference Session in St. Louis, Missouri, United States.[Photo: Michelle Greene/SBC]

GC Session delegates are responsible for decisions that shape the direction of the global church, including the election of leadership, constitutional changes, and updates to church policy.

Adderley’s presence underscored both civic and spiritual commitment to advancing the mission of the church and championing its values on a global level.

As a national leader and lifelong Adventist, Adderley underscored the importance of representation—not just across nations, but across generations. That spirit of inclusivity was evident throughout the GC Session, where youth and young adult delegates played a visible role in shaping church policy and discussions.

Youth Delegates Bring New Perspective

This year’s GC Session welcomed more than 150 youth and young adult delegates from around the world—a move that leaders say is vital for the future of the church.

Among them was Scharlee Swain of the South Bahamas Conference, the youngest delegate representing the Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU).

“I am very honored to have been chosen and I’m grateful that the conference and the union saw the need to have a youth’s perspective at this stage,” said Swain. “A lot of times as young people, we’re only exposed to our conference or our union, and we’re not really exposed to what’s happening at the World Church level.”

Swain said it was “truly an honor” to be part of the Inter-American Division Caucus during the GC Session, where she was able to witness and contribute to decisions that impact the church globally.