The URCSA has made it a prerequisite for the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa (NGK) to join the united denomination that all of its members adopt the Belhar Confession.
Although the NGK is eager to join the new denomination, it has decided not to compel existing members to submit to the confession.
The URCSA's position was that all members of the NGK should be required to swear that the Belhar Confession is true, or be expelled from the denomination.
[8] The required 2/3 approval having been received, the final step was a vote at the 222nd General Assembly (2016) meeting June 18–25 in Portland, Oregon.
The Belhar Confession was adopted at the 222nd General Assembly on June 22, 2016 by an overwhelming 540-33 vote in favor of acceptance.