Members to meet over safeguarding concerns

Presbyterians due to meet in Belfast on Thursday to discuss the church’s safeguarding crisis have been warned not to say anything which could compromise an ongoing police investigation.

More than 1,000 seats have been set aside at the church’s headquarters in Belfast city centre for the meeting, which will be streamed live on the internet.

Presbyterian ministers from both sides of the Irish border are entitled to take part, as well as a senior representative, known as an elder, from each congregation.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) announced last month it was looking into safeguarding concerns at the church.

Thursday’s meeting of ministers, elders and members of the church will give all concerned a chance to debate recent events and chart a way forward.

The acting clerk of the General Assembly, the Rev Dr David Allen, said everyone attending the public meeting should come to it “prayerfully”.

In a statement, he said they need to be mindful that the “PSNI’s criminal investigation – which we have welcomed, support, and will co-operate with fully – is ongoing and mustn’t be compromised by anything that a member of Assembly might say”.

The timetable for the meeting, known as a Special General Assembly, is:

• 11:00 GMT Worship and prayer
• 12:30 Lunch
• 13.30 Debates and resolutions

A senior church committee has recommended a review of “governance, culture and integrity issues” as well as safeguarding. The report and its proposals will be discussed.

A number of proposals will be outlined, including:

• Creation of a new safeguarding department
• An independent, external review of safeguarding
• Review of the use of non-disclosure agreements
• A task group to look at governance, culture and integrity

Traditionally, the two most senior permanent posts in the church, general secretary and clerk of the General Assembly, are filled by the same person. The meeting may discuss splitting the roles.

Speeches will be time-limited.

Proposers and seconders of resolutions will be allowed seven minutes with four minutes for other speakers.

Another special meeting of the General Assembly may be held early next year, on 17 February.