Three ministers in the running for Presbyterian moderator role

Three ministers are in the running for Irish Presbyterian Church moderatorship this year.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Jan 2018, 07:44 BST
PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/02/2017 The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has selected Rev Noble McNeely of First Holywood Presbyterian Church to be its next Moderator. The 63-year-old minister was nominated by 10 of the Church's 19 presbyteries when they met across Ireland to elect a successor to the current Moderator, Rt. Rev. Dr. Frank Sellar. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker PressPACEMAKER BELFAST 08/02/2017 The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has selected Rev Noble McNeely of First Holywood Presbyterian Church to be its next Moderator. The 63-year-old minister was nominated by 10 of the Church's 19 presbyteries when they met across Ireland to elect a successor to the current Moderator, Rt. Rev. Dr. Frank Sellar. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press
PACEMAKER BELFAST 08/02/2017 The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has selected Rev Noble McNeely of First Holywood Presbyterian Church to be its next Moderator. The 63-year-old minister was nominated by 10 of the Church's 19 presbyteries when they met across Ireland to elect a successor to the current Moderator, Rt. Rev. Dr. Frank Sellar. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

The moderator will be chosen by the 19 Irish presbyteries on Tuesday, February 19, succeeding the present moderator the Rev Dr Noble McNeely, who stands down in June.

The ministers going forward are the Rev Brian Boyd, of Kells and Eskylane Churches, Co Antrim; the Rev William Henry, of Maze Church, Co Down, and the Rev Charles McMullen, of Bangor West.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Rev Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly and Presbyterian Church general secretary, said the Church’s 19 presbyteries will meet at different locations.

Presbyterian Rev Brian Boyd, sent in by Billy KennedyPresbyterian Rev Brian Boyd, sent in by Billy Kennedy
Presbyterian Rev Brian Boyd, sent in by Billy Kennedy

“There is a wonderful rhythm to the life of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the first Tuesday in February is the first key event of the year for us, as ministers and elders from our 535 congregations across Ireland meet in their respective presbyteries to nominate our next moderator.

“The vote in each presbytery is by simple majority. This means that whoever receives the most votes within a particular presbytery receives the single vote of that presbytery. The minister who receives the majority of these votes from the 19 presbyteries, becomes our moderator-designate until their formal nomination and election as moderator by the General Assembly.”

Should there be a tie in the number of presbytery votes received on the first count, presbyteries will continue to meet that night until one minister is clearly ahead.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The moderator will preach most Sundays in congregations across Ireland, encouraging them in their work and witness during three week-long presbytery tours, while undertaking an overseas tour.

Mr Gribben said the moderator will not be the head of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. “Our constitution clearly states that ‘The Lord Jesus Christ is the sole King and Head of the Church…’”

Related topics:Ireland