The newly re-instated Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Right Rev Dr Richard Murray, has announced plans for a special General Assembly to reflect on safeguarding failures in the denomination.
In a letter sent to all ministers on his first day back in office, Dr Murray acknowledged the discovery last month of “significant failings in the central administration of our safeguarding processes.”
Previous Moderator, Rev Dr Trevor Gribben, stepped aside last month – meaning Dr Murray returned to office in accordance with Church rules.
The special General Assembly will take place on Thursday, 18th December at Assembly Buildings in Belfast.
“We will meet to call upon God as a people and to seek His face,” said Dr Murray.
He continued: “Please be assured that the purpose of this General Assembly is that we come together as a family before God to grieve and lament for our failings. At the same time, we also want to be particularly mindful of those who have been harmed as a result of our central failings.”
The gathering will open with worship at 11.00 am, with a formal business session in the afternoon, including a report from the General Council and resolutions. All sessions will be livestreamed and open to members of the public.
Dr Murray concluded by calling on all members to pray for those affected by the failings: “Our prayer is also that God would have mercy upon us in the midst of this storm that has not only shocked us, but shaken and deeply humbled us.”