The next Moderator of the Presbyterian Church is Rev Ivan McKay (57) who ministers in the suburban parish of Dundonald on the outskirts of Belfast.
Mr McKay (the Kay is pronounced K) was nominated by 11 out of the 21 Presbyteries who met today throughout Ireland to vote for a new Moderator. Rev Ken Newell of Belfast's Fitzroy congregation, who had tied with Mr McKay in the first vote last month received 10 votes. Mr McKay will take up office on the 2nd June in succession to Dr Russell Birney who continues as Moderator until that time.
Commenting on his nomination Mr McKay said "Despite having a month to consider the possibility I'm still shocked. Being elected Moderator is a truly humbling experience and I look to God to help me do my best in carrying out the duties before me."
Mr McKay describes himself as a 'traditional minister preaching God's word and applying it to life today while pastoring people as they live out their faith in the context of their own circumstances.'
Born in Ballymoney on 25 June 1945, Ivan McKay moved to Belfast at the age of two. He was brought up in the Oldpark congregation in North Belfast and was educated at Methodist College, Trinity College, Dublin and the Presbyterian College in Belfast.
Mr McKay was ordained in Bethany Presbyterian Church, now Immanuel, Belfast in 1969 before being called as minister to Brookside Presbyterian Church in Ahoghill in 1972. He remained there for 24 years before moving to the Dundonald congregation in 1996.
Mr McKay is married to Marleen with two grown up children and two grand children.
The voting for each candidate was as follows:
Press Conference: The Moderator -Designate will hold a Press Conference tomorrow, Wednesday 05-03-2003, at 10.30am in Church House, Belfast, entrance by Wellington Street off Fisherwick Place opposite Jury's Hotel.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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