The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI), the largest Protestant denomination in Northern Ireland and across the island, is facing an unprecedented crisis after the formal resignation of its former moderator, Reverend Dr Trevor Gribben. His departure on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, follows the release of a damning internal report that revealed what church leaders have described as "serious and significant failings" in safeguarding practices spanning more than a decade—from 2009 to 2022.
In a statement that has reverberated throughout congregations and the broader community, Dr Gribben acknowledged the gravity of the situation. "Following an internal investigation and report, it has become clear that there have been serious and significant failings in the central safeguarding functions of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland from the period 2009 to 2022. As a result of this people have been placed at risk. We are aware of a number of people who have been harmed, and we believe there may well be others as yet unknown to us. We apologise unreservedly for this. The Church’s first and greatest concern about this is for those people who have suffered harm, and those who have been put at risk," he said, as reported by BBC and RTÉ.
The internal report, which led directly to Dr Gribben’s resignation, did not specify the identities or number of victims, nor did it detail the exact nature of the harm suffered. Colleagues noted that inadequate record keeping made it impossible to form a complete picture. However, the church’s own admissions paint a troubling scenario: among the most glaring gaps were failures to make mandatory referrals to statutory agencies when abuse was suspected, and lapses in monitoring convicted abusers who returned to worship within church communities.
These revelations have sparked a wave of criticism and soul-searching within the PCI. While Dr Gribben clarified that he had not personally been responsible for safeguarding, he accepted that the systemic failings had occurred during his tenure as a senior manager. The church’s leadership has since expressed "profound regret" and deep grief over the situation, promising to "offer all possible support to those affected." The PCI further stated, "The Presbyterian Church in Ireland profoundly regrets this, is deeply grieved and will offer all possible support to those affected."
The crisis has also prompted swift action from law enforcement. Detective Chief Superintendent Zoe McKee, head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) Public Protection Branch, confirmed that the force is working closely with the church to ensure that robust mechanisms are in place for any victims wishing to come forward. "The PSNI has been actively engaged in ongoing discussions with the church to ensure that mechanisms are in place to support any victim who wishes to make disclosures," McKee stated. She emphasized the PSNI’s commitment to working in partnership with all relevant agencies and organizations to "ensure that robust safeguarding measures are in place to protect vulnerable individuals." McKee urged anyone with concerns, or those wishing to report a crime, to contact the police, assuring that "we have dedicated detectives trained to investigate and support all victims of abuse."
The discussions between the PSNI and the PCI reportedly began after concerns were raised in the wake of a high-profile conviction in 2024, when an individual was found guilty of child sexual offenses. This case appears to have triggered a broader examination of the church’s safeguarding processes and brought longstanding deficiencies to the surface. According to RTÉ, the church has since liaised with statutory bodies regarding both the overall failings identified and individual situations that were poorly handled in the past.
In an effort to reach those who may have been affected but have not yet spoken out, the PCI has established a dedicated phone line and email address for potential victims to come forward. However, this approach has not been without controversy. Some church ministers and external critics have argued that such outreach should be managed independently, rather than by the institution itself, to ensure impartiality and build trust among victims who may be wary of the church’s internal processes.
Despite these criticisms, the church maintains that it is actively encouraging anyone with concerns, or those wishing to report a crime, to contact the police directly. A PCI spokesperson reiterated, "In line with the Police Service of Northern Ireland's statement, we have been and continue to work with them to ensure that robust safeguarding measures are in place to protect vulnerable individuals. Along with the police, we would actively encourage anyone that has concerns, or wishes to report a crime to the police, to do so in the knowledge—as they said in their statement—that 'they have dedicated detectives trained to investigate and support all victims of abuse.'"
PCU Convenor Reverend David Bruce addressed the media in Belfast, acknowledging that the issues raised "will be of concern to many." He emphasized that ensuring the safety of all those participating in the life and work of the church’s congregations "has long been a priority for us." Yet, as recent events have demonstrated, good intentions alone are not enough to guarantee protection. The church is now tasked with rebuilding trust and implementing reforms that go beyond words and apologies.
The PCI’s public apology and the resignation of a high-profile leader underscore the severity of the crisis. The church’s admission that not all mandatory referrals to statutory agencies were made, and that some convicted abusers were inadequately monitored upon their return to worship, points to systemic failures rather than isolated incidents. The lack of comprehensive records has further complicated efforts to identify and support all those who may have been harmed.
The broader context is also important. Churches and religious organizations throughout the world have faced similar reckonings in recent decades, as survivors of abuse have come forward and institutions have been forced to confront uncomfortable truths about their past practices. In Northern Ireland, where religion remains a powerful social force, the PCI’s failings have particular resonance. The church’s willingness to admit error and seek outside help from statutory agencies and law enforcement may mark a turning point, but the road to restoring faith in its safeguarding practices will likely be long and difficult.
For now, the focus remains on supporting those who have suffered harm and ensuring that the mistakes of the past are not repeated. The PSNI’s involvement and the establishment of new reporting mechanisms are steps in the right direction, but many observers will be watching closely to see whether real change follows. As the story continues to unfold, the PCI’s leadership faces a challenging task: to demonstrate that lessons have been learned, and that the safety and well-being of all members of its community will be protected going forward.
While the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has acknowledged its failings and expressed deep regret, the true test will be whether its actions from this point on can restore trust and prevent further harm. The eyes of its congregants—and the wider public—will be firmly fixed on what happens next.