The new Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Rev Alastair Dunlop, has stressed the importance of good relations between church leaders despite their differences.
Mr Dunlop was speaking yesterday following his election with the votes of 19 of the 21 presbyteries around the country, which comprise the church's General Assembly.
He looked forward to renewing acquaintances with leaders of the Catholic Church.
"It's important that we build on that and where there are differences - as there are real differences - we are able to talk about them openly, honestly and agree to disagree where we have to, but work together where we can."
He said he would judge on merit each invitation for interdenominational worship.
"It depends upon the purpose - is it something that has just been cobbled together to promote good community relations, or is it something that is seeking to discover what God is saying through his Word?"
Mr Dunlop also spoke against attacks on mainly Catholic homes across the North.
"I think this behaviour needs to be condemned in the strongest possible terms . . . it is morally indefensible and should stop immediately."
Mr Dunlop, whose father, James, was Moderator of the church in 1964, said he acknowledged the challenge of falling congregations and said greater work was needed to forge links with communities.
"We need to be creating a much greater sense of community within our congregations so people don't just feel it's a place to come in and be preached at, but where they can make real and meaningful relationships."