The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) has confirmed it is in discussions with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) following a 2024 child sexual offence conviction, which exposed profound safeguarding failures within the church spanning over a decade.
Leadership Steps Down Amidst Crisis
In a significant development, the church's moderator, Rev Trevor Gribben, announced he would stand down after acknowledging that people had been harmed and others placed at risk due to institutional failings. The announcement on Wednesday, 13 November 2025, sent shockwaves through the 180,000-strong congregation.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, himself a church member, expressed his shock at the moderator's departure. He told BBC Good Morning Ulster that the announcement created widespread uncertainty among congregants, stating: "I don't think we have been furnished with all the information... there does seem to be a lack of clarity as to what is happening."
Thirteen Years of Institutional Failure
Rev Gribben revealed during a Belfast press conference that there had been serious and significant failings in the church's central safeguarding functions between 2009 and 2022. These systemic problems included situations where the church failed to respond when victims sought help and instances where offenders returned to worship but were inadequately monitored.
Church Convenor Rev David Bruce offered a profound apology, stating: "We have let you down, and for this I am truly sorry. It should not have happened." He emphasised that the church's primary concern now is for people who have been harmed, placed at risk, or who didn't receive help when they needed it.
Police Response and Ongoing Engagement
The PSNI confirmed it has been actively engaging with the church to ensure proper mechanisms are in place to support any victims wishing to come forward. Detective Chief Superintendent Zoe McKee, head of the public protection branch, stated: "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 police service has dedicated detectives trained to investigate and support all victims of abuse, encouraging anyone wishing to report a crime to contact them via 101 or their online reporting system.
Minister Lyons echoed this call for transparency, urging: "I hope more people come forward if there have been issues. For those that have been affected, that is where our thoughts should be and that is where the Church's efforts should be." The church has established a dedicated contact route for anyone affected by these failings to come forward and receive support.
