Rev Richard Kerr, minister at Templepatrick Presbyterian Church, will take up the role of moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. He begins the position in June. Kerr serves at the church in County Antrim.

Kerr accepted the nomination despite initial surprise. He views the leadership as an act of surrender. The 60-year-old grandfather describes entering the role with fear and trepidation.

The church faces investigations by the PSNI and Charity Commission. These probes follow an internal review that identified failings in safeguarding functions for children and vulnerable adults from 2009 to 2022. Former moderator Rev Trevor Gribben resigned in November after the review.

Kerr plans to address the safeguarding issues during his term. He notes determination across the church to resolve the problems. He keeps an open mind on involving external experts and victims from other denominations to speak at the General Assembly.

Kerr identifies as a pastor to both congregations and other pastors. His experience includes 11 years in rural development in Malawi and recent travel to Greece, Jordan, Israel, the West Bank, Lebanon, Egypt and Turkey.