DR MICHAEL Marten, 48, was voted the next leader of the Iona Community by a membership of just over 280. Dr Marten, who identifies himself as a Presbyterian-Quaker, is the first lay person in the seven-year role, but has been a member of the community since 1993.
‘I feel very excited, somewhat daunted,’ he told The Oban Times. ‘There’s a line of eight illustrious predecessors, and I am following in the footsteps of people I hold in very high regard.
‘I view this as a great opportunity to do something for the community which has been a home for me for a quarter of a century, and I hope I can give something back.’