A presbyterian minister in Antrim was last night elected the church's next moderator. The Rev John Dixon (54) will take up office in June, succeeding Dr Sam Hutchinson.
He was born in Clones, Co Monaghan, and attended Trinity College Dublin, Magee College in Derry, and New College in Edinburgh. He has been a minister for 30 years and is married with two daughters.
He is currently minister of the 1st Antrim congregation. He was nominated by 17 of the 21 presbyteries who met yesterday.
For the first time a woman minister was nominated. The Rev Ruth Patterson, who was also the first woman to be ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1976, was supported by the South Belfast Presbytery.
Mr Dixon is regarded as not coming from the "liberal, ecumenical wing" of the church. A colleague said: "John is a conservative. He will not be attending dozens of services of joint worship. But he is highly regarded by all sections of the community in Antrim and he treats everyone with respect."
Mr Dixon describes himself as a "preacher, pastor and missionary". He has a strong interest in the church's work overseas and has spent time in Nepal and Jamaica supporting local ministers and missionaries.
Mr Dixon said: "As Christians we have a great message to tell but we must be aware of the challenges and difficulties people face and respond to those issues in a relevant and helpful way."