Presbyterian Church in Ireland saeguarding crisis: 2026 General Assembly opens this morning
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Rev Dr Richard Murray, will open the denomination’s General Assembly this morning, when it meets in central Belfast for four days of discussion and decision-making.
As the all-Ireland’s principal decision-making body, it brings together active ministers and an elder from each of PCI’s 500-plus congregations, and others from across Ireland, as well as representatives from partner churches and organisations from overseas. This year PCI’s guests come from Middle East, Spain, Hungary, Malawi, and Kenya.
The biggest issue dominating the church at present is safeguarding.
Moderator Rev Trevor Gribben resigned in November, when an internal review found “serious and significant failings” in central safeguarding functions for children and vulnerable adults from 2009 to 2022. Police have said they have 101 referrals to investigate.
The Charity Commission also opened a statutory inquiry.
The issue is due to be discussed at length this afternoon.
Setting the scene, the Acting-Clerk of the General Assembly, Rev Dr David Allen, said, “Across the Assembly’s 8 sessions and 24 items of business, which take in the reports of our 12 Councils and Commissions, their task groups, committees, panels, and associated resolutions, it will be an important, and busy time.
“These four days are important days covering many aspects of the Church’s life and witness, from our mission at home and overseas, matters affecting wider society, and reform of our central structures and ministry, and of course, safeguarding. It is my prayer that it will be a fruitful time, discussing matters prayerfully, seeking God humbly, and trusting that he will lead us, in his will and his ways.”
The reports on safeguarding are contained in the Report of the General Council, which is divided into six sections. These, and other reports make up what is traditionally known as the ‘Blue Book’, and all information regarding proceedings can be found on the General Assembly Hub at www.presbyterianireland.org/GA26
The proceedings can also be followed live at the same web address.
As PCI’s senior Council that can act on behalf of the General Assembly between its stated meetings, the General Council’s second report will be debated on the first day (Tuesday afternoon) and includes details of the work of the Safeguarding Development Committee.
On Wednesday afternoon members will also have an opportunity to discuss the report of the Statutory Investigations Advisory Task Group, and an interim report of the General Assembly Governance, Culture and Integrity Task Group, established by December’s Special Assembly – all closely connected to the church’s handling of the safeguarding investigations.