The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is to be investigated by the north’s Charity Commission after it announced that it had opened an inquiry into the church’s safeguarding failings.
It was announced on Monday that the commission had launched a “statutory inquiry” into the church, including constituent parts, affiliated organisations within its structure and stand-alone charities, such as local congregations.
The Presbyterian Church is a registered charity in the north, with the commission required by law to “identify and investigate apparent misconduct or mismanagement”.
Read more: PSNI launches criminal probe into Presbyterian Church after safeguarding failures
It comes after the PSNI launched a criminal investigation into the church after it had admitted failures in safeguarding.
Last month, the church’s moderator Rev Trevor Gribben stood down after a review found “serious and significant failings” in central safeguarding functions from the period 2009 to 2022.
Failures included situations where the church did not respond when people who had suffered harm sought help and instances where offenders returned to worship in church but were “inadequately monitored”.
The Charity Commission said that the opening of the inquiry, which is its highest level of investigation, reflected the “serious nature of the concerns raised”.
It added that it “formalises the process” for the commission and the trustees to work closely together to “ensure the safeguarding and governance issues identified are addressed and appropriate remedial steps put in place”.
Frances McCandless, Chief Executive of the Commission, said: “Safeguarding is fundamental to maintaining public trust in charities. Every charity must make the safety and well-being of those they serve their highest priority.”
Meanwhile, Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said that the police investigation would “not be affected” by the commission’s inquiry.
“As previously confirmed, the police service has an ongoing investigation into safeguarding concerns connected to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland,” he said.
“This work remains active and will not be affected by the Charity Commission’s inquiry processes.
“Safeguarding is a priority for the Police Service. We take any information suggesting risk or potential criminality extremely seriously.”
He added that they were “working closely” with the commission and other “statutory and community safeguarding partners”.
“This coordinated approach ensures that any concerns raised are fully examined and that appropriate steps are taken to address any criminality and to protect those who have been harmed and need help and support to access a wide range of services,” he said.
“We would encourage anyone who has been affected, or anyone who has information that may assist police, to come forward.
“Dedicated specialist officers are available to ensure victims can access the criminal justice system and provide advice and support where necessary”
The church’s Acting Clerk, Rev Dr David Allen said: “Over the last number of weeks, we have been working with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland and we welcome this announcement today. PCI is fully committed to working with the Charity Commission to facilitate this inquiry and will cooperate fully in all aspects.
“As a denomination, we made an announcement on 12 November detailing significant failings in our central safeguarding processes and we have committed ourselves to doing whatever is required to regain the trust that we have lost. We believe that this inquiry will be one further step in this process.”
“As part of our commitment to learn lessons and move forward, a number of resolutions will be proposed at the Special General Assembly, on Thursday of this week, which we believe will begin to make the changes required.”
