Congregations across the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) heard a public statement on Sunday addressing serious historic safeguarding failings at the denomination’s central offices.
The statement, written by Rev Dr David Allen, acting clerk of the General Assembly, was sent to ministers across PCI congregations in Ireland and read during services on 16th November.
The message followed the Church’s disclosure last week of significant shortcomings in how safeguarding concerns were handled between 2009 and 2021, with one additional case in 2022.
The statement acknowledged that PCI had failed to make required referrals to statutory authorities, did not act properly on concerns raised about individuals, inadequately supported people who had suffered harm, and kept poor records. It also admitted that the Church did not sufficiently monitor offenders who wished to return to worship, despite warnings from statutory bodies.
“These failures are inexcusable, and no excuse is being made for them,” Dr Allen wrote. “On behalf of the Presbyterian Church, I am deeply sorry.”
He stressed that the failings did not involve the current safeguarding team and noted that many staff members had consistently delivered “outstanding work”.
The statement told worshippers that the Church had “betrayed the trust” placed in it and caused “hurt and grief” to those harmed or put at risk.
Members were encouraged to report any concerns of harm or abuse, whether related to PCI or elsewhere. Contact information for PCI’s response line, the police, and Victim Support was made available in services.
Dr Allen confirmed that PCI has begun a process of external scrutiny. A Section 12 audit, overseen by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland, is already underway, and the Church is in ongoing discussions with statutory agencies.
He described last week’s disclosure as “the start of a very difficult process” and pledged that the denomination “will not sweep this under the carpet”.
Incoming Moderator of the General Assembly Dr Richard Murray is expected to announce a special meeting of the General Assembly when he takes office on 1 December.
The statement ended with a call for prayer for those harmed, for anxious congregants, for safeguarding teams, and for the Church’s repentance and renewal.
Last week, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it has been working with the PCI to support victims.
Detective chief superintendent Zoe McKee, head of the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch, said: “The PSNI remains committed to working in partnership with all relevant agencies and organisations to ensure that robust safeguarding measures are in place to protect vulnerable individuals.”
