The pinnacle of the Presbyterian Church in Eire has stepped down after “severe and important failings” in safeguarding.
The Rev Trevor Gribben stated “individuals have been positioned in danger” because of the failings.
It’s believed to be the primary time within the lengthy historical past of the church that the chief, referred to as moderator, has stepped apart whereas in workplace. He’ll go away the place on the finish of this month.
The Presbyterian Church is the biggest Protestant denomination in Northern Eire, and on the island.
In a press release, he stated the safeguarding failings occurred between 2009 and 2022. Throughout a part of that interval, he had a senior function within the church as basic secretary.
Rev Gribben stated: “Though in a roundabout way answerable for the skilled supply of safeguarding throughout the church, nonetheless severe and important failings in our central safeguarding capabilities occurred partly throughout my tenure as basic secretary.”
He added: “We’re conscious of a lot of individuals who have been harmed, and we consider there could be others as but unknown to us. We apologise unreservedly for this.”
