Police in Northern Ireland have launched a criminal investigation into the Presbyterian Church in Ireland after the Church admitted serious safeguarding failures spanning more than a decade. The probe will examine whether those responsible for safeguarding committed criminal offences and aims to hold perpetrators accountable.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland announced the investigation at a press conference in Belfast on Monday. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck confirmed that a dedicated investigation team has been established under an experienced senior investigating officer from the public protection branch.
The investigation follows the Presbyterian Church in Ireland's announcement last week that moderator Rev Trevor Gribben will step down after a review found "serious and significant failings" in central safeguarding functions from 2009 to 2022. The Church admitted it failed to respond when victims sought help and inadequately monitored offenders who returned to worship.
Investigation Scope
Police confirmed they are looking at multiple potential offenders beyond an individual convicted in 2024 for child sexual offences, which initially triggered the probe. Beck said a "small number" of victims have already come forward.
The senior officer emphasized victim protection as the immediate priority. «My immediate priority and that of the PSNI is the protection and the safeguarding of anyone who may have been affected,» he said.
Appeal to Victims
Beck made a direct appeal to potential victims to contact the investigation team. «If I can speak directly to victims, I recognise that this may be difficult and you may not be ready. That is OK. We want to hear from you, you will be treated with sensitivity, with respect and with professionalism,» he said at the press conference.
The investigation will work to «establish victims of offending and the perpetrators and to investigate if criminal offences have been committed by those responsible for safeguarding,» Beck confirmed.
Cross-Border Dimension
The investigation has the «potential for this to be a cross-border and cross-jurisdictional investigation,» Beck said. He has spoken with his counterpart in An Garda Siochana, the police force in the Republic of Ireland, to ensure coordination.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has around 180,000 members belonging to more than 500 congregations across 19 regional presbyteries on the island of Ireland.
Church Response
The Church welcomed the police investigation and pledged full cooperation. «We will make available all relevant files, reports and information to assist police with their inquiries,» a Church spokesperson said. The Church said it would not make further comments during the investigation.
Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime Geraldine Hanna said the focus must remain on those affected. «At the heart of this story are individuals who have been let down by one of the most important institutions in their lives,» she said. «Their voice and their wellbeing must be the central driving force for the police and all other agencies involved in this process.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
