Presbyterian General Assembly 2023: Outgoing moderator says: ‘Character is more important than fame’ and there is 'a welcome for a humble church in most places in society'

The outgoing Presbyterian moderator says his year in office has taught him that “character is more important than fame” – and that there is a welcome for “a humble church” in most places in society.
Rev John Kirkpatrick, minister of Portrush Presbyterian Church, is the outgoing moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Photography by Declan Roughan / Press EyeRev John Kirkpatrick, minister of Portrush Presbyterian Church, is the outgoing moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Photography by Declan Roughan / Press Eye
Rev John Kirkpatrick, minister of Portrush Presbyterian Church, is the outgoing moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Photography by Declan Roughan / Press Eye
By Philip Bradfield
Published 21st Jun 2023, 20:00 BST

Speaking tonight, Right Reverend Dr John Kirkpatrick reflected in his address on his unique year in office, and in no particular order, the things that he had learnt.

He said that, ‘thank you’ was still “a powerful phrase…that little things and ordinary people matter much more than we can say, and character is by far more valuable than fame.”

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And he found that “respect for one another even in our differences is a gospel imperative much needed right now and how a constant danger exists if secondary matters are allowed to distract from gospel focus, while those who declare wishful thoughts that the church is history and on the wrong side of it, are very wrong and time will prove this so.”

The minister of Portrush Presbyterian added: “There is a welcome for a humble church in most places in society and the office of moderator is like a universal key to open doors to allow others a way in and we should value it.”

He also spoke of working together in partnership and how it is the best way to progress honouring God. He added that “grace still works in every place for every problem and as a Church we need to depend on it and to express it to each other.”

Dr Kirkpatrick said that having been changed by his experiences this year, “I have still so much to learn and grow.”

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Some of the key issues coming before the Annual General Assembly tomorrow are from reports from the Pastoral Leadership Task Group and the appointment of the Principal of Union Theological College.

Also on the agenda are reports from the Doctrine Committee on its revised Statement of Faith, Virtual Communion, the Decision Making & Dissent Task Group and the Council for Social Witness

The Moderator will receive delegates from France, Malawi, Myanmar, Pakistan and other Irish churches.

In the evening, new Moderator Rev Dr Sam Mawhinney will host worship, scripture readings and prayer.

The keynote speaker is Rev Jonty Rhodes who started a church with 15 people in Leeds which has now grown to 120.