The Evangelical Alliance UK has welcomed the appointment of Bishop Efraim Tendero as the new secretary general and CEO of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA).

Bishop Tendero – widely known as Bishop Ef – has been national director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) for more than 20 years. He is also president of the Philippine Relief and Development Services, the relief and development arm of PCEC that works with local churches to serve those in need.

Helen Calder, executive director: finances &services at the Evangelical Alliance UK, said: "As a founding member of the WEA in 1846, we are delighted to welcome Bishop Tendero to his new role. Our prayer is that he will play a strategic part in enabling the evangelical Church across the world to be united and confident in its mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those in our cities, our nations and our world. We look forward to welcoming him to our home in London in due course."

Bishop Tendero, who will begin his five-year tenure on 1 March, was unanimously appointed by the International Council (IC) of the WEA. He succeeds Dr Geoff Tunnicliffe, who stepped down at the end of 2014.

Rev Ndaba Mazabane, chairman of the IC and acting secretary general/CEO of the WEA, said: "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. 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.

"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."

On 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, favour, and grace needed in carrying out this solemn responsibility."