The Europe North Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced changes to the Area Organisation Advisers. After three years of faithful service, Sister Márcia Silva of Portugal and Sister Heidi Griffiths of the United Kingdom, have both been released from their callings.
Two new advisers have been called and will begin their new assignments in May 2025 - Sister Emma Wade from the United Kingdom and Sister Sónia Barbosa from Portugal.
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Sister Sónia Barbosa from Portugal2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Area Organisation Advisers were first established by the First Presidency in 2021. These sisters serve under the direction of the Area Presidency, and help orient and instruct new stake Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary presidencies, under the direction of these leaders’ stake presidencies. They also participate in other meetings, councils and events as invited by the Area Presidency.
“I feel humbled by this call to serve and honoured to walk alongside faithful women who are building the Lord’s kingdom,” said Sister Barbosa. “I know that as we counsel together and seek the Spirit, we can strengthen one another and bring light and hope to those we serve.”
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Sister Emma Wade from the United Kingdom 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Commenting on her new assignment, Sister Emma Wade said:
“I feel so blessed with this new opportunity to serve alongside the many wonderful Sisters in our church organisations. We are surrounded by wonderful women who exemplify the Saviour in all that they do. As we work together hand-in-hand with our priesthood leaders, we can accomplish all that the Lord requires of us to bless His children and bring them to their covenant blessings.
“I also love our Rising Generation! I have been blessed to serve around them for many years. Our youth and Young Adults are strong and valiant in their testimonies of the Saviour, and I just love to be with them and learn from them. They constantly astound me with their strength of faith.”
Elder Scott D. Whiting, President of the Europe North Area, commented:
“We are deeply grateful for the willingness of these faithful sisters to serve. Sister Wade and Sister Barbosa bring not only a wealth of experience but also a deep love for the Lord and His children. Their voices and insights will bless the lives of many and contribute to the strengthening of individuals, families, and Church organisations across the Europe North Area.”
A brief biography of both sisters can be found below:
Sister Sónia Barbosa was born in Matosinhos, Portugal and lives in the Leça da Palmeira, Porto North Stake. Prior to her call, Sister Barbosa had previously served as Ward and Stake Relief Society, Young Women and Primary Presidents, and as a Seminary and Institute teacher. She is currently a Temple Worker and a Sunday School teacher. Sister Barbosa is married to Sérgio Pinto, they have three daughters and two grandchildren. She has a degree in Furniture and Interior Design and works as an Arts high school teacher.
Sister Emma Wade was born in Bedfordshire, England and grew up in the St Albans, England Stake. She served as a full-time missionary in the Singapore Mission. She currently lives in the Northampton England Stake with her husband, Matthew, and their six children. Their third child, Joseph, is currently serving in the Australia Perth Mission. Sister Wade and her husband are also serving as Session Directors for the Birmingham FSY Conference. Sister Wade has previously served as a Stake Young Women’s President, Institute Teacher, Youth Sunday School Teacher, Relief Society, and Primary President.
Both sisters began their new assignments in May 2025. Area Organisation Advisers typically serve for around three years.