World Evangelical Alliance with more than 150 million members in 116 National Alliances and in special consultative NGO status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations is pleased to announce the appointment of the Very Rev. Johan Candelin of Finland to the position of Goodwill Ambassador starting March 1, 2003. Rev. Gary Edmonds, Secretary General of WEA states: "In a world that is changing every day World Evangelical Alliance is looking to take a more proactive role in our work for justice, peace making, bridge building, conflict resolution and religious liberty for all. To this end, our Goodwill Ambassador will be our key voice in contacts with governments, international organizations and at the United Nations in Geneva and New York. We live in a time with a growing need to actively work at building relational and diplomatic bridges. It is imperative that we seek the good of all people. I am convinced that Johan Candelin will play a significant role in building strong relationships and fostering good will throughout the world. The Goodwill Ambassador will also be a spokesperson for Evangelical Christians to their own governments when requested. In many countries, Evangelical Christians live in a minority situation. This step is important in the ongoing restructuring process of World Evangelical Alliance and its role of fostering unity amongst Christians worldwide." The Very Rev. Johan Candelin serves as the Executive Director for WEA Religious Liberty Commission and is the founder of First Step Forum. The First Step Forum is a vision driven group of ambassadors, diplomats, Members of Parliament, journalists and lawyers. The Forum wants to be "the first to see, the first to understand and the first to act" in potential conflict situations in the world. Johan Candelin also serves as an adviser to a large number of Members of the Finnish Parliament. He is married to Anna and the couple has two children. The email address of the Goodwill Ambassador is candelin@kolumbus.fi