Saturday, August 1, 2026, marks the official first day of service for Elder Edward B. Rowe as a counselor in the Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has replaced Elder Roland J. Bäck, who continues to serve as an Area Seventy.
The Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency now consists of Elder Anthony D. Perkins, assigned as Area President, with Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella and Elder Edward B. Rowe as his counselors.
Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency
The Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency for 2026–2027, from left to right: Elder Anthony D. Perkins, President; Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella, counselor; Elder Edward B. Rowe, counselor.© 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Elder Edward B. Rowe was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the April 2025 general conference.
Elder Rowe received a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Brigham Young University. He also received a master’s degree in public policy and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Chicago. He practiced international law for many years as a partner in various law firms in different parts of the world. He has served as chief executive officer for The Stirling Foundation since 2019.
Edward Butler Rowe was born in Provo, Utah, on April 23, 1967. He married Brooke Francis in 1989. They are the parents of five children.
Under the direction of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the administration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is facilitated by geographic areas.
The Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency provides spiritual and administrative direction to the local leaders and members of the Church throughout the region.