FEBRUARY 2026
Present from the start SPECIAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Overview of debates and decisions
STORIES OF FAITH
New believers in Downshire
EXPLORING MINISTRY
Union’s Ministry Taster Day
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CONTENTS | FEBRUARY 2026
FEATURES
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Presbyteries gather to select new Moderator Four nominees introduced
13 Special General Assembly Overview of debates and decisions
19 Keeping connected
Being present in Second Randalstown
20 Stories of faith
New believers in Downshire
30 Ruling on Religious Education
Collective worship in schools scrutinised
32 Exploring ministry Union’s Ministry Taster Day
36 At the cliff edge
Addressing the lack of SEN provision
Special General Assembly p13
REGULARS
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Editorial News Life lessons My story Mission articles Apostles’ Creed Reviews Life in PCI In this month Reflections
Stories of faith p20
CONTRIBUTORS
Cover photo: courtesy of Second Randalstown February 2026 No. 875 £2.20/€2.60 Published by: The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, Belfast BT1 6DW. T: +44 (0)28 9032 2284 E: herald@presbyterianireland.org W: www.presbyterianireland.org
Ruling on Religious Education p30
Diane Stevenson lives in Fermanagh with her three cocker spaniels, is a mother and grandmother; and is an elder and Bible class leader at Enniskillen Presbyterian.
Rev Gordon Best is Dean of Ministerial Studies at Union Theological College. He is married to Pamela and they have two adult children.
Mark Smith is PCI’s press and media officer. Married to Debbie, they have one teenage daughter and worship at Bloomfield Presbyterian.
Jonny McClune is PCI’s congregational witness development officer. He is married to Bethany, dad to Jack and Ellie, and a member of Saintfield Road Presbyterian.
Editor: Sarah Harding
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Herald February 2026
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