Paisley's church poised to elect new leader

The church founded by the Reverend Ian Paisley is tonight expected to elect a new leader to replace the 81-year-old minister.

Elders and ministers of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster are gathering in Dungannon to vote on a successor to the North Antrim MP, who has held the role of church moderator for almost 57 years.

A decision on who will replace him is not anticipated before midnight.

Armagh cleric Reverend Ron Johnstone, the current deputy moderator, is understood to be favourite for the role.

Ballymena minister John Greer has also been tipped as a possible contender.

Senior figures within the church today played down speculation that the Rev Paisley might put his name forward for re-election despite agreeing to stand down last September.

Belfast minister Reverend David McIlveen, who has also been mooted as a potential candidate, said he had “no reason” to think that Stormont’s First Minister had changed his mind about stepping aside.

It is understood the DUP leader, who has been criticised by some members of the church since going into government with Sinn Féin, could be elevated to a specially created honorary presidential role within the church.

The ruling presbytery of the denomination has 250 members, consisting of one minister and up to three elders from each church in Northern Ireland.

Any member has the right to stand for the position of moderator, which will be decided by majority vote.

Rev McIlveen said the church was moving into “unchartered waters” as this was the first time in its history the presbytery had to decide on a new leader.

Every year Rev Paisley has sought re-election he has been appointed unanimously and without challenge.

“This will be a new experience for us,” he said.

“I would expect one or two nominations for the position but none of us really know for sure.

“The vote will be taken with decorum and in an orderly manner, above all we want to make sure God’s will is done.”

Rev McIlveen said he expected the new moderator to be announced in the early hours of tomorrow.

“I would be very surprised if we dispersed by midnight,” he added.

As well as the vote for moderator, the presbytery will decide the membership of its various committees.

The meeting, which will be held in Dungannon’s Free Presbyterian Church, was originally scheduled for earlier this month but was postponed because of heavy snowfall.

The Free Presbyterian Church was founded in Crossgar, Co Down on St Patrick’s day 1951.

The new denomination was created after a number of elders from a local Presbyterian church fell out with the Down presbytery after being refused permission to use a church hall for a gospel mission.

These elders invited young Ballymena evangelist Ian Paisley to help them found a new reformed faith.

Since those beginnings the church has spread outside of Northern Ireland and now has followers in Great Britain, the Irish Republic, Australia, Canada, USA, Germany, Jamaica and Spain, and has missionaries in many other places.

Meanwhile, the DUP yesterday denied claims that Mr Paisley was also preparing to step down as an MP at the next election.

The rumours fuelled speculation that he could also be planning to retire as party leader and First Minister.

The party said the claims were unfounded.