The next moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) says he feels “deeply humbled” to have been elected to the role.

Rev Richard Kerr, the minister of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church, was elected moderator-designate yesterday evening in the church’s annual election for its senior office bearer.

The 60-year-old grandfather of four received the most votes in a second round of voting, having tied initially with Rev Ker Graham, minister of Clarkesbridge & First Newtownhamilton Presbyterian Church, Garmany’s Grove and McKelvey’s Grove Presbyterian Churches.

Mr Kerr, who has been minister of Templepatrick for the past 20 years, will be the 26th moderator to come from a County Antrim congregation and the 180th person to hold PCI’s highest office since the establishment of the church in 1840.

placeholder image — Rev Richard Kerr has been elected the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s (PCI) next Moderator

He will be formally elected as moderator by the church’s general assembly in June.

Speaking about his election, Mr Kerr said, “I feel deeply humbled, and I’m very conscious that I cannot do this by myself, or in my own strength. I pray that God’s Spirit will grant me the wisdom and guidance that I will need to reflect His mission to the Church, wider society and our global community. I also recognise that I serve in partnership with God’s people who’ve elected me, and their prayers and support I deeply value as I seek to serve God faithfully in the year ahead.

“My overriding desire in this year would be to encourage the church, reminding us of the confidence we have in Christ, encouraging us to serve the wider community, and world, out of that place of knowing we are deeply loved by Him.”