Presbyterian Church in Ireland Hit by 'Ecclesiastical Earthquake' as Police Receive 101 Safeguarding Referrals

Presbyterian Church in Ireland Faces "Ecclesiastical Earthquake" as 101 Safeguarding Referrals Expose Decades of Failure

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) is reeling from what its own Moderator has called "an ecclesiastical earthquake" after a police investigation uncovered sweeping safeguarding failures spanning more than a decade.

Rt Rev Dr Richard Murray addressed a Special General Assembly in Belfast's Assembly Buildings on February 18, 2026, acknowledging the denomination is "in trouble" due to "those hurt, harmed, traumatised by our failings."

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has received 101 referrals to date, including direct victim reports, referrals from safeguarding partners, and other parties. The investigation was launched in November 2025 after a review found "serious and significant failings" in the church's central safeguarding functions from 2009 to 2022.

Former moderator Rev Trevor Gribben stood down last year following the review's findings. Dermot Parsons, who was set to become the new head of safeguarding, has also resigned from the role.

We are a very imperfect church and on this side of eternity we will always be a very imperfect church because we are made up of very imperfect people, sinners saved by grace.

Rt Rev Dr Richard Murray, Moderator of PCI

Rev Dr David Bruce, Convener of the General Council, stated that "even one case is one too many." A report presented at the assembly revealed that safeguarding had been "under resourced" for years and called for dedicated staff and increased resources, recommending that safeguarding operate independently from the Council for Social Witness.

After a debate lasting over two hours, the assembly agreed to establish a new senior leadership team, including a Director of Operations, a new Clerk of the General Assembly with revised responsibilities, and the existing Deputy Clerk.

Murray urged the denomination to find refuge in God and to "do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God if we're going to survive this crisis."

Ireland's Largest Presbyterian Denomination Agrees to Major Safeguarding Overhaul After Police Probe

The structural changes represent the most significant reorganisation of PCI leadership in recent memory. In 2025, a person connected to the church was convicted of child sexual abuse offences and imprisoned, further intensifying pressure on the denomination to reform its safeguarding practices.

The church is now cooperating fully with PSNI authorities as the investigation continues. Independent legal advice has been made available to oversight groups established in response to the crisis.

The Crusader's Opinion

Let us be clear about what happened here. Children and vulnerable people were harmed under the watch of a church that was supposed to protect them. For over thirteen years, safeguarding was "under resourced" while people suffered in silence. That is not a bureaucratic oversight. That is a betrayal of the most sacred trust a church can hold.

Scripture commands us to defend the vulnerable and protect the innocent. When any church, Protestant, Catholic, or Orthodox, fails in that duty, it must be held to the highest account. Credit is due to Moderator Murray for speaking plainly about the failure, but words mean nothing without action. The 101 referrals to police tell us this was not an isolated incident. It was systemic.

The Church must act with the urgency this demands. No more "under resourcing." No more institutional self preservation at the expense of victims. Clean house. Protect the flock. That is the command of Christ Himself.

Take Action

• Pray for the victims and survivors of safeguarding failures within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and all church institutions worldwide.
• Contact the Presbyterian Church in Ireland directly to express support for victims and demand robust safeguarding reforms: presbyterianireland.org
• If you or someone you know has been affected by safeguarding failures in a church setting, contact the PSNI on 101 or your local police service.
• Support The Shepherd's Shield in their mission to protect persecuted Christians and vulnerable believers around the world.
• Report safeguarding concerns in churches to the relevant authorities. In Northern Ireland, contact the Health and Social Care Trust or NSPCC helpline at 0808 800 5000.