The Rev Ian Paisley is to step down from ministry in the Free Presbyterian Church at the end of the year.
Dr Paisley, now Lord Bannside, announced his decision before his congregation in the Martyrs Memorial Free Presbyterian Church in Belfast.
He founded the Free Presbyterian Church in 1951 following a split from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
He was the breakaway denomination’s moderator for more than four decades, until he was succeeded by the Rev Ron Johnstone in 2008.
In the same year, Dr Paisley, 85, stepped down as DUP leader and retired as MP for North Antrim in the same year after 40 years.
He told his congregation he plans to write an autobiography.
He was quoted as saying by the BBC: “I will be telling some stories that will make some people laugh and others blush.”
Dr Paisley is due to oversee his last service in the church next month.
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
The mystery of the Wise Men
-
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
-
Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged
Most Popular
News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.