PSNI Logs 101 Referrals in Safeguarding Probe of Presbyterian Church in Ireland

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has received 101 referrals in its ongoing investigation into safeguarding concerns within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI). In an update on the investigation, which began three months ago, the PSNI said the referrals came from direct reports from victims, referrals from safeguarding partners and other parties.

The police said the referrals have been “actively progressed” as part of the overall investigative response. The PSNI also said the number of referrals changes daily and that all information received is being carefully assessed “in line with established investigative, safeguarding and evidential procedures.” The Head of the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch confirmed that the investigation “remains a priority.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Zoë McKee said the focus remained on providing the best possible service to those most affected by the safeguarding failures. “We are committed to the investigation of criminality and the protection and safeguarding of those who are or have been victims of crime,” she said.

Police in Northern Ireland launched a criminal investigation into allegations of abuse within the Presbyterian Church in November last year. A dedicated investigation team was established, and victims were urged to come forward. Those with information about safeguarding concerns in the church were also asked to contact police.

In the statement, McKee repeated those calls. “We are working closely with valued partners and continue to appeal for anyone with information relating to safeguarding concerns that was either known by or reported to the PCI, to tell us what you know,” she said. She acknowledged that it takes “huge courage” for victims to report, and said specialist detectives are dedicated to the inquiry. “The team have experience in managing complex and sensitive investigations and have been specifically resourced to ensure the investigation is progressed professionally and efficiently,” she said.

In response to the police update, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Reverend Dr Richard Murray, said the PCI was saddened by the figures in the statement but welcomed “clarity” about the ongoing criminal investigation. “When we announced in November our failures in central safeguarding, we called for victims, survivors, and those with concerns, to come forward,” he said.

Murray said the church wished to “acknowledge their bravery” of those who had come forward, and he apologised again “to those who have suffered or been harmed due to our inactions or inadequate responses.” He added, “For these, we continue to deeply lament.” Leaders entrusted with much bear a corresponding measure of accountability (Luke 12:48).

The church’s safeguarding failures were already the subject of a leadership change. In November, the church’s Moderator, the Reverend Trevor Gribben, resigned after an internal report found “serious and significant failings” in safeguarding within the church between 2009 and 2022.

Source: Read the original report