Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle in north Belfast has faced criticism over its handling of safeguarding. 

A new self-commissioned report has found a “culture of indifference” that left victims feeling unsupported. 

Pastor David Purse said the report “highlighted areas for improvement, which the board has since prioritised and implemented”. 

This came after allegations of inappropriate behaviour by a senior leader came to light. 

The investigation, carried out by pastor Nigel Elliott from the Elim Church, followed reports of a male staff member making a young man feel “uncomfortable” by putting his hand across his back and down towards his waist during a pool match in June 2023. 

The incidents were not reported until May 2024. 

Other allegations included inappropriate behaviour towards youth team members, including a sanitary towel with the words “No Surrender” being placed on someone’s head.  

The report contained more than 20 recommendations, half marked as highly urgent, and described the church’s child protection policies as “incomplete” and lacking clarity on who needed an Access NI check. 

Several designated safeguarding officers resigned, telling BBC News NI that the church’s “ongoing lack of meaningful cooperation and long-standing disregard for proper safeguarding practices” had prompted their departure.  

They criticised the church for meeting privately with the victim and perpetrator without informing safeguarding staff. 

The PSNI confirmed they were investigating three reports of non-recent sexual assault connected to the church, saying all such reports “are taken extremely seriously and investigated thoroughly”. 

Founded in 1957 and able to hold around 2500, Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle remains one of Northern Ireland’s largest churches.