David Valente

David Manuel Palminha Valente brings together legal expertise, academic formation, and decades of Christian leadership in service of the Church and society. With a Law degree from the University of Lisbon and a Master’s in Political Law, he has practiced law since 1988, participating in more than four thousand judicial cases, primarily in civil and commercial law. His professional development also includes postgraduate studies in European Law and recent specialization in Data Protection and Artificial Intelligence within the legal framework.

Alongside his legal career, David has invested deeply in theological formation and ecclesial leadership. He completed advanced theological studies at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Lisbon and has served as Secretary General and later President of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Portugal. He has also contributed to European and global Christian cooperation through roles in the Conference of European Churches and the World Council of Churches.

For more than two decades, David has been actively involved in development and humanitarian initiatives, serving in executive leadership within OIKOS – Cooperation and Development, coordinating projects in Africa, Latin America, and Europe. He has also held leadership responsibilities within Rotary International and national health foundations.

Currently serving as President of the Evangelical League for Missionary and Educational Action, David’s ministry reflects a lifelong commitment to mission, public witness, church unity, and social responsibility. His calling integrates legal acumen, theological reflection, and cross-cultural engagement in service of God’s mission in Europe and beyond.