The moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) has apologised to those who have been hurt or harmed as a result of the church’s central safeguarding failings.
Rev Richard Murray was speaking at a Special General Assembly of the PCI in Belfast, where members have gathered to discuss issues that have emerged in recent weeks.
An internal report uncovered serious safeguarding issues in the church between 2009 and 2022.
During a service of worship this morning, Rev Murray expressed shame and sorrow to those who the church let down.
Rt Rev Dr Richard Murray addressing the Special General Assembly
The Special General Assembly was organised to discuss and agree new safeguarding measures following “significant failings” acknowledged last month.
The PSNI has begun a criminal investigation into safeguarding issues at the PCI. There is no definite timeframe to that investigation.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is a registered charity, which has also led the Charities Commission for Northern Ireland to begin an inquiry.
Dr Murray told those gathered that while people may feel “under suspicion”, many meticulously observe proper procedures regarding safeguarding.
“… all of us have collective responsibility – though it may well be certain individuals have to carry a fuller responsibility than the rest,” he said.
Rev Dr Richard Murray took on the role of moderator after Dr Trevor Gribben, the previous moderator, stood down last month.
Today’s special assembly began with an hour and a half of worship including hymns, scripture readings and prayers led by former moderators.
During his sermon, Rev Murray said it was necessary to gather to grieve and lament for those who had been hurt and harmed.
“… to them we say ‘Sorry that you have been hurt or harmed by our failings'”.
Organisers estimate that just over 600 people have gathered at the PCI Headquarters for the Special General Assembly.
The number attending could grow in the afternoon when debates and resolutions take place in the afternoon.
Proceedings are being live streamed on the PCI’s website and members have been asked not to compromise an ongoing police investigation during their contributions.
The Presbyterian Church has around 185,000 members in more than 500 congregations.
The majority of them worship in Northern Ireland, but there are significant concentrations in the border counties of the Republic and elsewhere.