The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is working with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland to support victims wishing to make disclosures and allegations of abuse.
It follows this week’s resignation of the church’s Moderator, Rev Dr Trevor Gribben, who stepped down after “serious and significant” safeguarding failings were found to have occurred in the church between 2009 and 2022.
Dr Gribben has apologised and said he profoundly regrets that people had been placed at risk. He added that the church was aware of several people who had been harmed and that “we believe there may well be others as yet unknown to us".
"We apologise unreservedly for this," he added.
The church initiated an investigation after being informed by the PSNI in May that they were investigating the actions of a member of the church congregation. The acting clerk of the General Assembly, Rev Dr David Allen, said there were three Presbyterian congregations "where we are aware of people who have come forward and spoken with us".
The head of the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch, Detective Chief Superintendent Zoe McKee, 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."
The General Council convener, Rev David Bruce, said the church is keen to hear from anyone with concerns.