The Presbyterian Church in
Ireland has selected Rev Richard Murray of Drumreagh Presbyterian Church
in Co Antrim to be its next Moderator.
Mr Murray was nominated by nine of the church's 19 presbyteries this evening when they met across Ireland to elect a successor to the current Moderator, Rev Dr Sam Mawhinney.
Brought up in Belfast, the 58-year-old has been minister of the Co Antrim congregation since 2016 and will be the denomination’s 179th Moderator since 1840.
Mr Murray said he felt "humbled to be called to this office, yet also privileged".
He added that his desire was "to be committed to the word of God in everything and my request is that people remember me in prayer throughout my year in office".
Mr Murray was one of five nominees this year and will be formally elected as Moderator by the Church’s General Assembly in June.
Until then he will be known as the Moderator-Designate and continue to serve his congregation in Drumreagh.