Over 100 referrals to police investigating Presbyterian Church in Ireland safeguarding concerns
The PSNI has received over 100 referrals in relation to its ongoing probe into safeguarding concerns within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI).
In an update on Thursday, (February 19), Detective Chief Superintendent Zoë McKee, head of Public Protection Branch, confirmed the investigation remains a priority for police.
Detective Chief Superintendent McKee said: “To date, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has received 101 referrals. These include direct reports from victims, referrals from safeguarding partners and other parties. These referrals are being actively progressed as part of the overarching investigative response.
"This figure changes on a daily basis and all information received is carefully assessed, in line with established investigative, safeguarding and evidential procedures.
“Our focus remains 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.
“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. It takes huge courage to report and we have specialist detectives dedicated to this enquiry.
"The team have experience in managing complex and sensitive investigations and have been specifically resourced to ensure the investigation is progressed professionally and efficiently. ”
Anyone who believes they may have relevant information, or who wishes to make a report, is encouraged to contact the PSNI:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 101 or 999 in an emergency.
- Those affected who require emotional or practical support can contact Victim Support NI via their helpline: 028 9013 0405 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
Other agencies are available for support and PSNI are working closely with them through a dedicated victim services forum.
Early Stage
Police stress their investigation is at an early stage and the number of reports or enquiries received should not be taken as an indication of the seriousness, validity, or outcome of any individual matter.
The update comes 24 hours after a second Special General Assembly was held in Belfast in response to the crisis which has rocked the church. At the session, the PCI agreed to establish a new three-person senior leadership team, which will include the appointment of a new Clerk of the General Assembly with revised responsibilities, the Deputy Clerk, and the creation of a new post - Director of Operations.
The decision, the church explained, was taken as part of the ongoing process of addressing a range of issues and related matters stemming from failings in the central administration of its safeguarding processes, announced in November of last year.
In his speech proposing the move, the Convener of PCI’s General Council, Very Rev Dr David Bruce, said: “Central to these proposals is the creation of a Senior Leadership Team of three people. A Director of Operations will be responsible for the operational side of running the charity.
“This role will include many of the duties of the current Financial Secretary, along with some of the duties associated with the former role of General Secretary. The General Council considers the use of the term ‘General Secretary’ in our governance to be obsolete and that it be set aside.
Traditionally, previous Clerks of the General Assembly had also been General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Over 400 ministers and representative elders from each of the church’s 500-plus congregations attended Wednesday’s meeting in Assembly Buildings, central Belfast.
It was opened by the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Right Reverend Dr Richard Murray, who said: “We in PCI are living through such a time when there’s been an ecclesiastical earthquake and when safeguarding has (quite rightly) been moved centre stage.”
Dr Murray went on to affirm those “who have faithfully and dutifully carried out their safeguarding duties”, adding “but others have failed us and, in their wake, we are acutely aware of people who have suffered and been left desolate”.
Members of Assembly also received updates on safeguarding and progress regarding the General Council task groups that were set up as a result of decisions taken at December’s Special Assembly. They also agreed that the next meeting would be the annual meeting of the General Assembly, which would take place from 9-12 June.