The British Union Conference (BUC) concluded its 10th Quinquennial Session on the evening of 6 August with an online business meeting that completed the election of departmental directors and key officers for the 2026–2031 quinquennium. A total of 217 delegates and invitees participated in the meeting, bringing to a close the business left unfinished at the Session held from 1–3 July.
A Spirit of Prayer
Reflecting the spiritual emphasis that characterised the July Session, the online meeting opened with a season of prayer.
Pastor David Neal, Trans-European Division (TED) Ministerial Director, prayed that the newly elected leaders would experience the continuing presence of the Holy Spirit as they "strategize, teach, preach, train and minister."
The opening prayer was followed by Catherine Anthony Boldeau, BUC Stewardship Director, who prayed for God's blessing upon the Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland as it embarks on a new chapter of mission, while also remembering those transitioning from leadership responsibilities.
Delegates Complete the Election Process
The meeting was chaired by Pastor Ian Sweeney, Field Secretary of the Trans-European Division. Delegates voted by a 63 per cent majority to adopt a division of the question,* enabling each recommendation from the Nominating Committee to be considered and voted on individually rather than en bloc.
Nominating Committee Recommendations Confirmed
Associate Treasurer: Aftab Barki – Re-elected.
Associate Executive Secretary: Judy Clements – Elected. Prior to taking up this role, Judy was the Safeguarding Director for the South England Conference.
Youth Director: Dr. Njabulo ‘Njay’ Ndlovu – Elected. ‘Njay’ has held the role of BUC Interim Youth Director since August 2025 and now takes up the full role in the Youth department.
Sabbath School & Personal Ministries Director: Dr. Augustus Lawrence – Re-elected.
Family Ministries & Children’s Ministries Director: Pastor John Francis – Elected. John was previously the Family Ministries Director of the North England Conference.
Communication Director: Catherine Anthony Boldeau – Elected. Catherine leaves the role of BUC Stewardship Director to take up the mantle of Communication.
Public Affairs & Religious Liberty Director: Dr. Kirk Thomas – Elected. Kirk adds this function to his role as President of the BUC.
Planned Giving & Trust Services Director: Wederly Aguiar – Elected. Wederly adds this function to his role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO)/Treasurer.
Ministerial Director: Pastor Todd Frias – Elected. Todd leaves pastoral ministry in Ireland to join the BUC as Ministerial Director.
Stewardship Director: Pastor Jimmy Botha – Elected. Jimmy was formerly the President of the Scottish Mission.
Women’s Ministries Director: Sharon Platt-McDonald – Re-elected.
Looking Ahead
At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr Daniel Duda, President of the Trans-European Division and Chair of the Nominating Committee, thanked delegates for their time, prayers and thoughtful participation throughout the election process. He noted that additional appointments and responsibilities would be considered by the newly constituted BUC Executive Committee at its first meeting in September.
BUC President Dr Kirk Thomas expressed optimism for the new quinquennium, encouraging members to remain focused on the Church's mission.
"We have five years to continue to make the BUC a place where mission is done, proclaimed and lived in preparation for the soon coming of Jesus Christ," he said.
He concluded by reminding delegates that the Church must remain "grounded in the Bible and living the mission of Jesus Christ."
Appreciation for Faithful Service
The online Session also provided an opportunity to express appreciation to leaders completing their service in their current roles.
Appreciation was given to Dr Les Ackie, who has provided ten years of leadership in Family Ministries, Children's Ministries, Possibility Ministries and Safeguarding; Pastor Sam Davies, who has served as BUC Communication & Media Director for the past five years; and Pastor Max McKenzie-Cook, who has served as Associate Executive Secretary for two years and most recently as Interim Welsh Mission President. We wish them well as they transition into future assignments.
[*] A division of a question is a parliamentary motion used to split a complex main motion or amendment into distinct, independent parts so they can be debated and voted on separately. Each separated part must be able to stand alone as a complete, logical proposition.