The new moderator of URCSA, Reverend Professor B.B. Senokoane, will lead the church for the next four years following his election at the 9th General Synod in Maseru, Lesotho. Reverend Professor B.B. Senokoane from the Southern Synod was elected Moderator of the United Reformed Church of South Africa (URCSA), placing him at the helm of the church for the coming four years as it renews its commitment to unity, reconciliation, and justice.
Senokoane's election was announced during the 9th General Synod of URCSA in Maseru, Lesotho, where delegates from across South Africa gathered to discuss the future direction of the church. This assembly, hosted by the Synods of Free State and Lesotho, is taking place under the theme: 'Be the salt and light of the world: 40 years of the Belhar Confession as prophetic testimony.'
Senokoane will lead the new board of moderators at a crucial time for URCSA, as the church marks four decades of the Belhar Confession and considers how its principles should continue to shape its activities and public witness.
Senokoane leads for a four-year term
The new leadership team, alongside Senokoane, includes Reverend S. Mostert from the Namibia Synod as Assessor, Reverend Dr. E. Monkhla from the Northern Synod as Scribe, and Reverend H. Tromp from the Cape Town Synod as Actuary. Additional members elected were Reverend TT Khlalele from the Free State and Lesotho Synod, Reverend Alice Julius from the Forooro Synod, and Reverend Dr. Mbata from the KwaZulu-Natal Synod.
URCSA stated that the new leadership has been tasked with strengthening the church's unity, advancing its mission, and ensuring that the principles of the Belhar Confession remain central to its work. The church declared: 'The new leadership takes on responsibility at a significant moment, calling to strengthen the Unity of the Church, advance its mission, and keep the beliefs of Belhar at the center of its life.'
Leadership change occurs at a landmark conference
Senokoane assumes leadership as URCSA commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Belhar Confession, which arose during apartheid and emphasizes unity, reconciliation, and justice. The church noted that this anniversary provided an opportunity to assess whether its own structures, relationships, and decisions reflect these principles.
URCSA emphasized: 'Forty years of Belhar is not just a remembrance of what the Church confessed; it is a renewed call to live out that confession.' Delegates at the Synod are reviewing reports, proposals, and recommendations concerning governance, theological education, finance, mission, pastoral care, and the work of various church ministries and structures.
Church places unity at the heart of the gathering
URCSA reported that its General Synod brought together representatives from diverse geographical, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, with unity being the central message of the assembly. The church stated: 'At the core of the Synod is a call to unity. This does not mean erasing differences. The cultures, languages, and experiences of URCSA are united by a common faith and mission.'