An inquiry into the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) has been opened by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.
It comes as “serious and significant” failings in the church’s safeguarding systems, stretching back a decade, were uncovered in a report. A criminal investigation has also been opened.
The statutory inquiry, the highest level of investigation open to the regulator, will put in place steps to rectify safeguarding and governance issues.
Moderator Rev Dr Dr Trevor Gribben previously stepped down after the PCI was found to have failed in making required referrals to authorities, responded inadequately to concerns, and offered poor support for those who had suffered harm.
Rev Dr David Allen, Acting Clerk of the denomination, welcomed the announcement in a statement.
“PCI is fully committed to working with the Charity Commission to facilitate this inquiry and will cooperate fully in all aspects," he said.
“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 that this inquiry will be one further step in this process.”
“As part of our commitment to learn lessons and move forward, a number of resolutions will be proposed at the Special General Assembly on Thursday of this week, which we believe will begin to make the changes required,” the statement concluded.
Frances McCandless, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, said: “Safeguarding is fundamental to maintaining public trust in charities. Every charity must make the safety and wellbeing of those they serve their highest priority.”