Church Leader Resigns Over Safeguarding Failures
The moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has announced he will stand down following the revelation of serious and significant safeguarding failures within the Church spanning over a decade. Reverend Trevor Gribben made the shocking announcement at a press conference in Belfast, stating that people had been harmed and others placed at risk due to these institutional failings.
Minister Expresses Shock and Seeks Clarity
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, who is a member of the Presbyterian Church, said he was deeply shocked by the announcement. He described a lack of clarity surrounding the serious failures in the Church's central safeguarding functions and expressed hope that more information would be provided to concerned members and the public.
Mr Lyons told BBC Good Morning Ulster: "I speak as a member of the Church, they have made this announcement yesterday and I think a lot of people will be concerned at what has been said and also concerned at what hasn't been said." He emphasised that his primary thoughts were with those who had been affected and that the Church's efforts should be focused on ensuring they receive proper support.
Scope of Failings and Church Response
The safeguarding failures occurred between 2009 and 2022 and included two particularly concerning patterns. The Church failed to respond when individuals who had suffered harm sought help. Additionally, there were instances where offenders returned to worship but were inadequately monitored, creating further risk.
Reverend David Bruce, the Church Convenor, issued a profound apology on behalf of the institution. "We have let you down, and for this I am truly sorry. It should not have happened," he stated. He assured that the Church would implement better arrangements to prevent recurrence and provide appropriate help and support to those affected.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is a major religious institution with approximately 180,000 members across more than 500 congregations on the island. The Church has now established a dedicated contact point and promises that anyone coming forward will be listened to and heard, as they should have been previously.
