Rev Dr Russell Birney

Birney Is Nominated As Moderator Designate

The next Moderator of the Presbyterian Church will be Dr Russell Birney (61), minister of High Kirk Presbyterian Church in Ballymena. It's the first time for twenty years a moderator has come from the Co Antrim town and the first time that the minister of High Kirk has been elected to the office.

Dr Birney was nominated by 17 out of the 21 Presbyteries who met today throughout Ireland to vote for a new Moderator and will take up office on the 10th June in succession to Dr Alastair Dunlop who continues as Moderator until that time. Rev Leslie Casement, Minister of Sixmilecross in Co Tyrone received three nominations and the remaining nomination went to Rev Jack Richardson from Hillhall, Lisburn

Commenting on his election Dr Birney, originally from Co Fermanagh said, 'I'm moved and humbled that the Church has put its trust in me in this way.' He describes himself as an 'empowered evangelical who seeks to proclaim God's Word faithfully giving full scope to the Holy Spirit. This, in turn, encourages greater freedom in worship and practical Christian living and presents many ministry opportunities.'

Dr Birney also believes that the church must be constantly renewing itself. 'Only if we are open to God's leading and prepared to change can the Church continue to be relevant and have an effective witness. The Christian community should be marked by care for one another and for the community.'

Russell Ivan Birney was born on 16 November 1940 and brought up in Lisnaskea. He has ministered in Carrickfergus, Newry, during which time he ministered to the victims of various atrocities and in 1982 became minister of High Kirk.

Dr Birney is married to Arline (note spelling) and has three daughters, Emma, a London based fashion designer and Sarah and Claire who are studying in Edinburgh and Manchester respectively. He lists his interests as reading, walking, camping and watching sport.

Voting for each candidate was as follows:

Dr Russell Birney (High Kirk, Ballymena) 17 Votes

Ards, Ballymena, North Belfast, East Belfast, South Belfast, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Derry/Strabane, Donegal, Down, Dublin/Munster, Iveagh, Monaghan, Newry, Omagh, Route, Templepatrick.

Rev Leslie Casement (Sixmilecross) 3 Votes

Armagh, Foyle, Tyrone.

Rev Jack Richardson (Hillhall) 1 Votes

Dromore.

Press Conference

The Moderator -Designate will hold a Press Conference tomorrow, Wednesday 06-02-2002, at 10.30am in the Board Room, Church House, Belfast, entrance by Wellington Street off Fisherwick Place opposite Jury's Hotel.