The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI), Right Reverend Dr David Bruce, welcomed the Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl, to Assembly Buildings today as part of PCI’s ongoing engagement with political leaders and civic society.

Speaking from the all-Ireland denomination’s headquarters after the meeting, Dr Bruce said, “It was a pleasure to welcome the Lord Mayor to the administrative heart of our Church today, as it provided an opportunity to present an overview of the work that PCI undertakes across the city.”

The Moderator continued, “PCI has always had a strong commitment to social witness, putting the love of Christ into practical action. Such work includes our residential care homes in the city, or our work with offenders and people with addictions. We were also able to brief the Lord Mayor on the ongoing work of the International Meeting Point in both the north and south of the city. This project seeks to support asylum seekers and refugees who have come to make their homes here.”

Dr Bruce concluded by saying, “We also touched on the work of the Urban Mission Network, which was set up for the encouragement and equipping of those within PCI working in an urban or housing estate setting. The under achievement of working class Protestant boys in education also featured in our discussions. We also welcomed the opportunity to hear the Lord Mayor’s priorities for her year in office.”

The Moderator and Lord Mayor were joined by the Clerk of the General Assembly and General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rev Trevor Gribben, Neil Harrison, Mission Development Officer, and PCI’s Public Affairs Officer, Karen Jardine.

Photo: Left to right, Karen Jardine, Dr Bruce, Councillor Kate Nicholl and Rev Trevor Gribben in front of the Carrickfergus Window in Assembly Buildings, Belfast.