Ellen White speaks directly about the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) system of representative democracy, church governance, and the election of leaders in several key passages. Here are some of the most relevant statements, with references confirming their authenticity: 1. On the Representative System and Election of Leaders: "Every member of the church has a voice in choosing officers of the church. The church chooses the officers of the state conferences. Delegates chosen by the state conferences choose the officers of the union conferences, and delegates chosen by the union conferences choose the officers of the General Conference. By this arrangement every conference, every institution, every church, and every individual, either directly or through representatives, has a voice in the election of the men who bear the chief responsibilities in the General Conference." (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 236.4) 2. On the Authority of Representative Assemblies: "At times, when a small group of men entrusted with the general management of the work have, in the name of the General Conference, sought to carry out unwise plans and to restrict God's work, I have said that I could no longer regard the voice of the General Conference, represented by these few men, as the voice of God. But this is not saying that the decisions of a General Conference composed of an assembly of duly appointed, representative men from all parts of the field, should not be respected. God has ordained that the representatives of His church from all parts of the earth, when assembled in a General Conference, shall have authority." (Gospel Workers, p. 490.1; Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 260.2) 3. On the Model of Church Organization: "The organization of the church at Jerusalem was to serve as a model for the organization of churches in every other place where messengers of truth should win converts to the gospel. Those to whom was given the responsibility of the general oversight of the church were not to lord it over God's heritage, but, as wise shepherds, were to 'feed the flock of God, ... being ensamples to the flock' (1 Peter 5:2, 3); and the deacons were to be 'men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.' These men were to take their position unitedly on the side of right and to maintain it with firmness and decision. Thus they would have a uniting influence upon the entire flock." (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 91.1) 4. On the Selection and Rotation of Leaders: "Of the church to be the acknowledged leader, never, however, to be chosen for more than one year. Then another may be selected, or the same one may be re-elected, if his service has proved a blessing to the church. The same principle should be followed in selecting men for other responsible positions, as in the offices of the conference. Untried men should not be elected as presidents of conferences. Many fail to exercise proper discernment in these important matters where eternal interests are involved." (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 619.2) 5. On the Role of the Church in Governance: "This statement holds its force in all ages. On the church has been conferred the power to act in Christ's stead. It is God's instrumentality for the preservation of order and discipline among His people. To it the Lord has delegated the power to settle all questions respecting its prosperity, purity, and order. Upon it rests the responsibility of excluding from its fellowship those who are unworthy, who by their un-Christlike conduct would bring dishonor on the truth. Whatever the church does that is in accordance with the directions given in God's word will be ratified in heaven." (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 263.3; Gospel Workers, p. 501.4) These statements show that Ellen White supported a representative, participatory system of church governance, where authority is exercised through elected representatives at various levels, and where the voice of the church as a whole—rather than a single individual or small group—holds the highest authority under God. Academic References: - White, E. G. (1948). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 236.4. Review and Herald. - White, E. G. (1915). Gospel Workers, p. 490.1, 501.4. Review and Herald. - White, E. G. (1948). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 260.2. Review and Herald. - White, E. G. (1911). The Acts of the Apostles, p. 91.1. Pacific Press. - White, E. G. (1948). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 619.2. Review and Herald. - White, E. G. (1948). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 263.3. Review and Herald.