The next moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland will be the Rev Norman Hamilton.
He was chosen last night in a run-off election against the Rev Norman McAuley (53), who has been minister of Greenwell Street Presbyterian Church in Newtownards, Co Down, for the last six years.
Ireland’s 19 presbyteries each took part in the election, which followed last month’s tied vote.
Rev Hamilton won the election by 11 votes to eight.
He is viewed as being on the progressive wing of evangelism and will take over from Dr Stafford Carson after next summer’s General Presbyterian Assembly.
Speaking before last night’s election result, Rev Hamilton said: “The way our society works is through the democratic process. Issues that affect people in the pews affect people in the community and affect our politicians and leaders too. The church needs to rediscover its place in civic society so that it plays an active and valued part for the benefit of all in our communities rather than just being one element among many looking after their own interests.”