News

Your Denomination Needs YOU!

If you’re recently retired or have time to give back to a Denomination that has shaped so many people’s journey of faith, we would love to hear from you. Following the recent Pro Renata General Synod, which adopted updated policies and procedures, we are seeking committed individuals to take on key roles. Each role involves overseeing a specific policy area and acting as a first point of contact for congregations and clergy.

Roles:

1. Denominational Treasurer –Work alongside our professional accountancy company to support financial oversight.

2. Safeguarding Lead & Deputy – Administer the Safeguarding Policy, arrange training, authorise Access NI checks, and signpost to professional services. Full training provided and will be divided between the roles.

3. Whistleblowing Lead & Deputy – Serve as the contact for concerns raised and ensure appropriate reporting.

4. Health & Safety Lead & Deputy – Advise and guide congregations on Health and Safety matters.

5. Data Protection Officer & Deputy – Support congregations with Data Protection responsibilities. Training provided.

6. Wellbeing Support & Pastoral Care Lead & Deputy – Assist individuals involved in safeguarding processes, as outlined in our Safeguarding Policy.

All policies can be found on this website. You do not need to hold a role within your own congregation to serve in these positions.
If you feel you could contribute, please contact the Moderator, Right Rev Alister Bell, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 07546 117811 to discuss further.

STATEMENT ON THE BALLYMENA UNREST

STATEMENT ON THE BALLYMENA UNREST

Statement from the Right Rev Alister Bell, Moderator of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland, and the Clerk Rev Lynda Kane, in response to recent events in Ballymena, Larne and beyond.

We hold in prayer the people of Ballymena, Larne and the wider community during this time of deep concern and unrest.

In recent days, we have witnessed troubling scenes of civil unrest, including attacks on homes, emergency services and law enforcement. These actions have caused widespread alarm and must be unequivocally condemned. They bring fear, not justice. Harm, not healing.

The unrest began following a serious allegation of an assault on a young woman. This is a deeply upsetting matter. Violence against women remains a grave issue and must be addressed seriously and through lawful means.

We are greatly concerned that this anger has spilled over into targeted violence, particularly towards minority ethnic communities and those working to maintain peace. These actions are profoundly damaging and unjust. Racist intimidation and public disorder are never acceptable. They betray the values of dignity, respect and responsibility on which our shared life depends.

Most of those who have come to live and work in Northern Ireland do so peacefully and contribute positively to our communities. They are our neighbours and should be treated as such.

We call for an immediate end to the violence and a renewed commitment to the common good. In times of tension we must not retreat into fear or hostility but uphold compassion, justice and the dignity of every person.

We continue to pray for the young woman at the heart of this case, for all those affected by recent events and for peace across Ballymena, Larne and beyond.

50 Years as Preacher - Rev. Lena Cockroft

Today (22 June) Lena 50 anniversary as preacher small was a very special day in our Denomination, as Moderator I (along with many others) attended our Church in Rademon, to hear the Rev Lena Cockroft lead the service, this was a special day as 50 years ago exactly to the day a young 20 something Lena Baxter from Dromore took to the pulpit for the very first time as a lay Preacher, the rest is history and a history not to be forgotten.

As women in the pulpit then wasn't as known as it is now, indeed many would try and desist from having females in church leadership roles still to this day as Ministers and Elders were we have always been open to welcoming all and will continue to do so even if others try backslide.

In Lena's first service her Mother told her she had to cover her head, hence the appearance of a berret today to remember how times have changed, it wouldn't have been an easy journey for Lena over the years and therefore we honour the service she has given to our denomination not only as a Minister but on two occasions as Moderator - one of very few females to hold this role in any Presbyterian denomination.

We are a denomination which prides itself on allowing those in the pews to think for themselves and not be bound by any man-made creeds.

All are welcome.

💙Moderator and Clerk 2025-26💙

💙Moderator and Clerk 2025-26💙

We are pleased to share that the Right Rev Alister Bell has been nominated again to serve as Moderator of the General Synod of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland, and that Reverend Lynda Kane will continue for another year as Clerk.

We are grateful for their steady leadership and the thoughtful way they carry out these roles. With God’s help, we wish them every blessing and a fair wind in the year ahead.

#NSPCI

505507404 716271054385312 2959644664871478806 n