A Tribute to a Lifetime of Service:
Honoring William G. Johnsson

Dr. William G. Johnsson was a prolific author and respected theologian who dedicated his life to serving the church in a variety of capacities including missionary, professor and dean, founding editor of Adventist World, and editor of Adventist Review. However, it was in his retirement that he found some of life’s most meaningful work.

Retiring at the age of 72, William went on to publish five additional books as well as return to ministry—serving seven years as part-time assistant to the General Conference president for Interfaith Relations and working to introduce Adventists’ values and mission to religious and government leaders in Islamic countries. This work, he said, “would challenge long-held ideas, expose prejudices, and open my mind and life to people and ideas previously shut out of my thinking.”

In 2016, LLU created the William Johnsson Center for Understanding World Religions. Named in recognition of William’s contributions to promoting interreligious understanding in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Center’s primary mission is to encourage the university and its communities to be places of understanding, reconciliation and healing.

That same year, LLU awarded William a doctorate of humane letters in recognition of his long and distinguished career as editor and scholar for the church.

William died Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the age of 88. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to the School of Religion William Johnsson Endowment for the Center for Understanding World Religions.