Expert says Presbyterian Church failures highlighted in historical sex abuse case

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) failed to maintain records of a reported child sexual abuse case that emerged years before the current safeguarding crisis, a protection expert revealed to the BBC. Ian Elliott explained that when he sought information on whether the alleged victims from a Donegal parish had received counselling, no documentation could be located at PCIs central offices.

The BBC also reviewed a document showing that the Church did not initially report the matter to An Garda Sochna (Irish police) when it was first raised. The Presbyterian Church declined to comment due to an ongoing Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) investigation but acknowledged shortcomings in its safeguarding procedures.

Ian Elliott, a globally recognized safeguarding specialist, told BBC Spotlight Northern Ireland that the Churchs headquarters asked for his assistance in 2015. A minister informed him that an adult congregation member in Donegal, who had passed away, had abused several children decades earlier, but no action had been taken at that time. Elliott offered guidance, including reporting to authorities, but did not continue involvement as the Church did not request further consultation, and he was engaged with international work.

In 2023, after joining a PCI safeguarding panel, Elliott revisited the case but discovered no records. He described the absence of documentation as "shocking," noting one ministers email admitting that "these matters have been completely mismanaged, and this information should have been shared with the appropriate authorities."

The case was eventually reported to Garda, though the exact timing is unclear. Dr Jacqui Montgomery-Devlin, the Church's safeguarding officer in 2023, confirmed she could find no records related to the case when it was raised again, stating, "There were no records to suggest that that ever happened."

Elliott subsequently issued two warnings to the Church, emphasizing potential criminal and civil liabilities due to mishandling of abuse cases. In memos to Rev Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly in 2023, he warned that failing to maintain records could render the Church "guilty of serious neglect," and noted he received no response.

The PCI confirmed it would not comment on matters related to the PSNI investigation. Rev Gribben resigned as Moderator in November, acknowledging that "people have been placed at risk" because of failures between 2009 and 2022. Reverend Dr Richard Murray was appointed as the new Moderator.

In 2024, Elliott issued another warning to the Church's safeguarding panel, stressing that failure to report abuse could lead to prosecution. He resigned from the panel shortly afterward. The Church later admitted it had "failed to make referrals to statutory authorities when these were required," prompting the PSNI to launch a criminal investigation. An Garda Sochna confirmed coordination with the PSNI and encouraged victims to come forward, noting potential limitations due to evidence availability or deceased suspects and witnesses.

Former Presbyterian Moderator Rev Dr Norman Hamilton, speaking publicly for the first time since the crisis emerged, stated that allegations were not new to him. He highlighted the Church's historic lack of awareness of proper procedures and the absence of a structured, victim-centered approach. He acknowledged the harm caused and emphasized the need for significant reforms and rebuilding confidence in the Churchs ministry.

The BBC Spotlight program Broken Trust: A Church in Crisis will air on BBC One Northern Ireland on Tuesday 02 December at 22:40 and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.

Author: Sophia Brooks