2 Jul 2026, 20:03SEC Communications
SEC President Elected to Lead British Union Conference
Dr Kirk Thomas becomes BUC President
Dr Kirk Thomas has been elected President of the British Union Conference (BUC) following a vote by delegates at the 10th Quinquennial Session, held at the Atrium Hotel Heathrow in Feltham.
Dr Thomas was nominated by the Session’s Nominating Committee before being elected by representatives of the Seventh-day Adventist Church across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Accepting the appointment, Dr Thomas thanked the Nominating Committee and delegates for their confidence.
“These positions are not promotions,” he said. “They are greater acts of service to humanity. And I’m humbled by your confidence in me.”
He paid tribute to outgoing BUC President Pastor Dr Eglan Brooks, reflecting on their many years of working together in both the South England Conference and the British Union Conference.
“I have some big shoes to fill,” Dr Thomas said, thanking Pastor Brooks for his wisdom, leadership and continued support.
In a comment that particularly resonated with SEC members, Dr Thomas referred to the Conference’s new headquarters, noting that he had expected to be celebrating the completion of the purchase of the new SEC office building that day.
“I was just about celebrating that we will have our new office building signed off today. And here I am now" he told delegates with a smile.
Outgoing President Pastor Brooks also congratulated Dr Thomas, observing that their ministerial paths had crossed repeatedly throughout their careers.
“The Lord will continue to pour out His blessings upon him,” Pastor Brooks said. “I pray God that as he does so, the Union will move from one strength to another.”
Reflecting on the demands of Union leadership, Pastor Brooks reminded his successor that the role extends far beyond administration.
“You are the CEO of our organisation… You have to balance these three things as you do your ministry. It’s not a promotion,” he said, before presenting Dr Thomas with an orange and the bucket with a hole in it that featured in his presidential report the previous day, symbolising the ongoing challenges of church leadership.
Trans-European Division President Dr Daniel Duda thanked Pastor Brooks for his years of service, acknowledging the personal sacrifices often unseen in church leadership, before welcoming Dr Thomas into his new role and expressing his desire for continued collaboration with a strong British Union Conference.
Dr Thomas’ election marks a significant transition for the South England Conference. Having served as SEC President since his election in 2023, he now assumes responsibility for leading the Seventh-day Adventist Church across the British Union. The SEC Executive Committee is expected to meet later this month to appoint a new Conference President.
Dr Kirk Thomas has been elected President of the British Union Conference (BUC) following a vote by delegates at the 10th Quinquennial Session, held at the Atrium Hotel Heathrow in Feltham.
Dr Thomas was nominated by the Session’s Nominating Committee before being elected by representatives of the Seventh-day Adventist Church across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Accepting the appointment, Dr Thomas thanked the Nominating Committee and delegates for their confidence.
“These positions are not promotions,” he said. “They are greater acts of service to humanity. And I’m humbled by your confidence in me.”
He paid tribute to outgoing BUC President Pastor Dr Eglan Brooks, reflecting on their many years of working together in both the South England Conference and the British Union Conference.
“I have some big shoes to fill,” Dr Thomas said, thanking Pastor Brooks for his wisdom, leadership and continued support.
In a comment that particularly resonated with SEC members, Dr Thomas referred to the Conference’s new headquarters, noting that he had expected to be celebrating the completion of the purchase of the new SEC office building that day.
“I was just about celebrating that we will have our new office building signed off today. And here I am now" he told delegates with a smile.
Outgoing President Pastor Brooks also congratulated Dr Thomas, observing that their ministerial paths had crossed repeatedly throughout their careers.
“The Lord will continue to pour out His blessings upon him,” Pastor Brooks said. “I pray God that as he does so, the Union will move from one strength to another.”
Reflecting on the demands of Union leadership, Pastor Brooks reminded his successor that the role extends far beyond administration.
“You are the CEO of our organisation… You have to balance these three things as you do your ministry. It’s not a promotion,” he said, before presenting Dr Thomas with an orange and the bucket with a hole in it that featured in his presidential report the previous day, symbolising the ongoing challenges of church leadership.
Trans-European Division President Dr Daniel Duda thanked Pastor Brooks for his years of service, acknowledging the personal sacrifices often unseen in church leadership, before welcoming Dr Thomas into his new role and expressing his desire for continued collaboration with a strong British Union Conference.
Dr Thomas’ election marks a significant transition for the South England Conference. Having served as SEC President since his election in 2023, he now assumes responsibility for leading the Seventh-day Adventist Church across the British Union. The SEC Executive Committee is expected to meet later this month to appoint a new Conference President.
