For the third time in nine years, the election for the Presbyterian Moderator has ended in a tie.
Reverend Norman Hamilton, Minister of Ballysillan in north Belfast, and Reverend Norman McAuley, of Greenwell Street in Newtownards, each received five nominations.
The other nine votes from Ireland's 19 presbyteries were divided among three other candidates - Rev Derek McKelvey, Rev Ivan Patterson and Rev Roy Mackay.
The presbyteries will be asked to vote again next month on the two tied candidates.
Dr Stafford Carson continues in office until the Presbyterian General Assembly meets in June.
