Local clerics this week welcomed the decision of the Reformed Churches in South Africa to apply for membership of the South African Council of Churches (SACC).

During the recent National Synod of the Reformed Churches in Potchefstroom, delegates argued that the SACC is the only channel through which the churches can talk to the government. It was also said that, by joining the council, the church will not relinquish its independence, as member churches are not bound to the decisions of the council.

Delegates also warned the synod that the Reformed Churches can isolate themselves if they do not join the unity of churches in the SACC.

Other well-known members of the SACC include the Apostolic Faith Mission, the Dutch Reformed Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church, the Roman Catholic Church and the United Congregational Church.