New conservative Presbyterian leader to take up post today

Rev Dr Frank Sellar, who was named as the new moderator-in-waiting back in February, will be installed as the 177th moderator in Belfast’s Assembly Buildings this evening.

The minister from Bloomfield Presbyterian Church has previously decried homophobia while restating the traditional view that marriage is solely between a man and a woman.

Rev Sellar, from Bloomfield Presbyterian Church in the east of the city said in advance of the ceremony that he is “humbled” by the new role.

He said: “I am looking forward to my year as Moderator, especially as it coincides with the General Assembly theme for 2016 which is ‘A Community of Global Concern’.

“Christians are never permitted to be isolationists. We are called to learn from and share with our brothers and sisters in the worldwide Church, participating with them in the urgent task of world evangelism, stewardship of the Earth’s resources and challenging injustice, poverty and oppression.

“At the same time, is vital that people hear that Jesus is the antidote to all the bad news, which is so prevalent in a broken society.” he said.

“Following the installation, there then follows three and a half days of worship, prayer, Bible study, celebration, debate and decision-making, by ministers and elders from the Church’s 545 congregations across Ireland, taking decisions that will set the direction for the life and ministry of Church.”