THE Methodist Church has decided to postpone its annual decision-making meeting of lay people and clergy because of coronavirus.
The gathering, called the Conference, traditionally takes place in June.
However, it will now take place between October 7 and 11 at Trinity Methodist Church in Lisburn, though only if the current Covid-19 restrictions have relaxed sufficiently and public health provisions allow.
The Church still intends to install its new President, the Rev Dr Tom McKnight, and incoming Lay Leader, Hazel Loney, on June 10.
The form of service will depend on health guidance at the time, a spokesman said.
The Presbyterian Church is also highly likely to postpone its annual General Assembly meeting of lay people and clergy, with a decision likely to be reached over the weekend.
The Church in Ireland has already cancelled its 2020 General Synod.
Ireland's largest Protestant denomination was due to hold its annual decision-making meeting of bishops, clergy and lay people in Croke Park next month.
But with the venue being used as a Covid-19 test centre, as well as the strict restrictions on public gatherings and movement, the Church had little choice other than to call off the synod.
Rescheduling the event to later this year - coronavirus-permitting - is a possibility.
Next year's General Synod is due to take place in Armagh and the Church plans to hold the 2022 meeting at Croke Park.
