URCSA celebrates first same-sex marriage in Ottosdal Presbytery

The Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) has celebrated its first same-sex marriage in the Ottosdal Presbytery, following the wedding of Thuso Lobeko and Kagiso Maine.

The ceremony was officiated by Emeritus Reverend Gumede and Reverend S. Mnisi, marking a significant moment for the local congregation and the church’s ongoing discussions about the inclusion of LGBTQI+ members.

The marriage follows the URCSA Southern Synod’s 2018 resolution supporting the full inclusion of homosexual people in the church, including equal rights relating to marriage and ordination.

The wedding represents a practical expression of that commitment at congregational level, as questions about equality, faith and belonging continue to feature in discussions within religious communities.

Lobeko, who was born in Klerksdorp and grew up in Ottosdal, has strong ties to the town where the couple exchanged vows. Maine grew up in Dobsonville, Soweto, and is an active member of St Angela Catholic Church.

Their union brings together two people from different backgrounds as they begin their married life together.

For LGBTQI+ people, acceptance within religious institutions remains an important issue, particularly where questions of sexual identity, relationships and faith intersect.

The wedding has brought renewed attention to how church decisions on inclusion are implemented within local congregations and how these decisions shape the experiences of members.

While the Southern Synod adopted its resolution in 2018, discussions about theology, Scripture and church practice continue within the broader denomination. The marriage in Ottosdal, however, marks a milestone for the local presbytery.

The occasion highlights the relationship between decisions taken at synodical level and their practical implementation within individual congregations.

For URCSA Ottosdal, the ceremony adds a new chapter to the congregation’s history. For Lobeko and Maine, it marks the beginning of a new chapter built on love, commitment and shared aspirations.

The wedding also provides an opportunity for continued reflection on equality, human dignity and the place of LGBTQI+ members within religious communities.