New York, NY – January 23, 2015 The International Council (IC) of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is pleased to announce that it has, by unanimous vote, appointed Bishop Efraim Tendero as the next Secretary General of the WEA. Bishop Tendero who currently serves as the National Director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches. Bishop Tendero succeeds Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe who announced early last year that he would not be seeking a third term after leading the WEA for the past ten years.“We acknowledged from the onset and throughout the search process that we needed God’s wisdom and the Spirit’s guidance in making this significant and strategic appointment. We are not only pleased, but confident that Efraim is the right person to take WEA into the future which promises to be great,” said Rev. Ndaba Mazabane, Chairman of the IC and Acting Secretary-General of the WEA. “His understanding of our global vision and his experience as a national Alliance leader will certainly help him connect with our constituency for greater global impact.” Upon his appointment, Bishop Tendero said: “I am humbled by the trust that is given to me to be the leader of Evangelicals around the world. This is an enormous task and I put my whole trust and confidence in the Almighty God who called me into this ministry, believing that He will provide the wisdom, favor, and grace needed in carrying out this solemn responsibility.” Bishop Tendero will begin his five year tenure on March 1, 2015. “I urge you all to uphold him and his family in your prayers and support him in every possible way as he makes this leadership transition and prepares for the task ahead,” concluded Rev. Mazabane. Thomas Bucher, EEA General Secretary says: “I got to know bishop Ef during an International Leadership Meeting of the World EA in Manila in October 2013. I was deeply impressed by him. He is a man of vision and also somebody who can make things happen. A great choice for the further development of the WEA.” Frank Hinkelmann, President of the EEA Board says: „As president of the European Evangelical Alliance (EEA) I’m thrilled about the appoint of bishop Efraim as Secretary General of WEA. With his huge experience and his Global South perspective I’m sure he can lead WEA into its next step of its development, being voice to growing number of evangelicals globally.” About Bishop Tendero: Bishop Efraim Tendero, widely known as Bishop Ef, has served as National Director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) for more than 20 years. PCEC is WEA’s national Alliance member that represents some 30,000 evangelical churches in the Philippines. He is also President of the Philippine Relief and Development Services (PHILRADS), the relief and development arm of PCEC that works hand in hand with local churches in holistic ministries to serve the poor and needy. Bishop Tendero also serves as International Facilitator for South East Asia of the Asia Evangelical Alliance, was appointed Lausanne Senior Associate for Integrity and Anti-Corruption and is the chair of the board Back to the Bible Broadcast, Evangelism Explosion (EE) 3 Philippines, Global Filipino Movement, and the Philippine Missions Association. He is also the Executive Editor of Evangelicals Today, the longest running Christian magazine in the Philippines. Bishop Tendero has a BA in Theology from Febias College of Bible and a Master of Divinity with focus on pastoral counselling from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He received two honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees from Asian Theological Seminary and Febias College of Bible, and a Doctor of Leadership degree from International Graduate School of Leadership. Bishop Tendero and his wife Sierry have four children and two grandchildren.