Presbyterian Church in Ireland assembly on safeguarding crisis showed evidence of remorse but lacked victim's voice, says expert
A safeguarding consultant who attended the special Presbyterian General Assembly about the collapse of its central safeguarding functions has commended the church for evidence of genuine remorse – but says there was an absence of the voice of victims.
Leigh McFarlane runs Kaizen Safeguarding in Bangor, and keads safeguarding in a non-Presbyterian congregation. She attended Thursday's assembly at church house in Belfast.
The meeting of ministers and elders from across the island of Ireland was called after Moderator Rev Trevor Gribben resigned last month. He did so as the church announced serious failings in central safeguarding functions from 2009-2013.
After attending the special assembly discussing the fall-out, Ms McFarlane gave her verdict to the News Letter.
"There was evidence at the General Assembly of genuine remorse and repentance, and a clear attempt to begin the process of change for the better,” she said. “That should be acknowledged.
"However, what remained very evident throughout the day was the absence of lived experience, survivor voice, and specialist trauma-informed practice."
She was concerned that when she arrived at 11:45am, members of the public were directed to a downstairs room for the morning session - but not given access to the main assembly.
"Given that survivors are most likely to be among those attending as members of the public, this decision was deeply concerning. There was no trauma-informed approach evident, no pastoral or safeguarding support present, and individuals were left to manage what may have been a highly distressing environment on their own. That should not have happened."
A church spokesman responded that 90 seats were set aside in the main hall for the public but as these were quickly filled, further members of the public were directed to overspill rooms.
She added: "Across the day, a range of questions and motions were raised. Some were sensible and practical, while others revealed a lack of understanding of safeguarding as a discipline. Suggestions such as the Church defining its own understanding of safeguarding demonstrate the need for clearer engagement with established safeguarding standards and best practice, which are not self-defined but grounded in law, evidence, and professional expertise.
"It was also clear from conversations with grassroots ministers and clergy that many are deeply hurt, confused, or feeling left in the dark. The work required now must extend beyond the General Assembly and include meaningful support, communication, and care for those at the frontline of ministry as well as victims and survivors."
Looking ahead, she said, there is a pressing need for greater clarity about the proposals being introduced; what new functions, structures, and accountability mechanisms will look like in practice, and how they will operate day-to-day.
"From this point on, the single most important priority must be the meaningful inclusion of 'survivor voice' and the consistent adoption of trauma-informed practice in everything that follows. Without that, trust cannot be rebuilt.
"I would strongly encourage the Presbyterian Church in Ireland to seek appropriate external support and independent advice. There are many safeguarding specialists, including those with expertise in faith contexts, who can assist the Church to do this well and to embed safe, healthy culture over time. I would welcome the opportunity to engage constructively with PCI to support the development of that work going forward."