The head of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has announced his resignation following an internal review that uncovered “serious and significant” failures in safeguarding practices. Moderator Rev Trevor Gribben stated that people within the Church had been harmed and others placed at risk due to these failures.
Speaking at a press conference in Belfast, Rev Gribben revealed that the failures included situations where the Church failed to respond to individuals who had suffered harm and sought help, as well as instances where offenders returned to worship but were “inadequately monitored”. The review covered the period from 2009 to 2022.
Rev Gribben, who also served as General Secretary during part of that period, said: “Although not directly responsible for the professional delivery of safeguarding within the Church, nonetheless serious and significant failings in our central safeguarding functions occurred partly during my tenure as General Secretary. In light of this, I have decided it would be best at this time for me to step aside from my current role as Moderator.”
Church Convenor Rev David Bruce acknowledged that the safeguarding team had identified multiple cases where the Church failed to deliver adequate safeguarding services, including basic failures to follow its own guidance, gaps in record-keeping, and failure to make referrals to statutory authorities. He expressed regret and apologised to those affected, saying: “We have let you down, and for this I am truly sorry.”
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has approximately 180,000 members across more than 500 congregations. The Church has pledged to offer support to those harmed and to implement better safeguarding arrangements to prevent future failures.
