Presbyterian Church in Ireland safeguarding crisis: PSNI remain tight lipped on details around arrests
The PSNI is so far declining to release any details whatsoever about two people arrested in connection with an ongoing safeguarding investigation into the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Responding to the arrests, Presbyterian Moderator Rev Richard Kerr said the church is "saddened by the circumstances which gave rise to the investigation and that he encourages "all victims, survivors and those with concerns" to continue to come forward to police.
Then moderator Rev Trevor Gribben stood down in November after a review found “serious and significant failings” in the church's central safeguarding functions for children and vulnerable adults from 2009 to 2022.
The PSNI and the Charity Commission have both launched major investigations.
Police have now confirmed that two people have been arrested as part of the investigation.
"Enquiries remain ongoing," police said in a statement released to the BBC on Friday. "Police continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure a safeguarding-led approach throughout the investigation.
"The PSNI continues to encourage anyone who has information or concerns to contact them directly or reach out for support via Victim Support NI."
In February police said they had received 101 "referrals" after a public appeal for anyone impacted by the situation to come forward.
Now police say that to date, "127 contacts have been made with police from potential victims and/or witnesses".
Often when making arrests the PSNI will release the person’s gender, age, their town or city, the nature, date and general location of the alleged offence, the date of the arrest, whether they are in custody or have been bailed, the subsequent bail date and whether they were released without bail or with no further action being taken.
None of this information has been release. The News Letter has asked for further details.
Responding to the arrests, Moderator Rev Kerr, said: “We remain saddened by the circumstances which gave rise to the PSNI investigation and are continuing to assist the police in every way we can. We also recognise the bravery and strength of those who have already come forward and continue to encourage all victims, survivors and those with concerns to do so.
"We have been made aware by PSNI that a number of arrests have taken place as part of their ongoing investigation but we cannot make any further comments in this regard."
He said that the church is continuing to improve the safeguarding capabilities across the denomination in the wake of the crisis.
"We have created a stand-alone Safeguarding Department, staffed with new Safeguarding Officers, a policy specialist and a dedicated training officer.
"In May and June this year we trained or retrained approx. 2800 leaders and volunteers, and we have a significant training programme in place for the next few months with over 40 training events being organised.
"Additionally, we have revised and reissued our Safeguarding policies and procedures, which are now in force throughout the denomination both north and south."
He concluded: “We recognise that this continues to be a difficult time for many who placed their trust in the Presbyterian Church and we remain mindful of any who have been hurt by our actions or inactions. We are committed to delivering the progress and change that is required to put things right”.