Presbyterian Church in Ireland Faces Scrutiny Over Safeguarding Failures
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) is under the spotlight as the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland launches an inquiry following troubling revelations about safeguarding lapses and news of an ongoing criminal investigation.
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Rev Trevor Gribben recently stepped down from his role as moderator of the PCI after an internal report revealed significant safeguarding failures from 2009 to 2022. In his statement, Gribben admitted, “Following an internal investigation and report, it has become clear that there have been serious and significant failings in the central safeguarding functions of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. As a result of this, people have been placed at risk. We are aware of a number of people who have been harmed, and we believe there may well be others as yet unknown to us. We apologise unreservedly for this.”
Rev Dr David Allen, the acting clerk of the Church, has assured that the PCI is fully cooperating with the Commission’s inquiry. “As a denomination, we made an announcement on 12 November detailing significant failings in our central safeguarding processes and we have committed ourselves to doing whatever is required to regain the trust that we have lost. We believe this inquiry will be one further step in this process,” he stated.
Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck confirmed that the police are “aware” of the Charity Commission’s plans and that the criminal investigation remains active. He noted, “We are working closely with the Charity Commission and with other statutory and community safeguarding partners.”
This Thursday, the PCI will host a special live-streamed meeting at its General Assembly to address the issue. The session will review a 23-page report highlighting critical areas for improvement.
The report recommends the establishment of a new safeguarding department, assessing non-disclosure agreements, forming a task force to address governance, culture, and integrity, and conducting an external review of current safeguarding practices. “This is a shameful position for part of the Church of Jesus Christ to be in,” the report states.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
