Overview
- Dr Trevor Gribben announced at a Belfast news conference that he will leave the Moderator role and retire as Clerk of the Assembly and General Secretary at the end of the month.
- An internal investigation found serious and significant failings in central safeguarding functions over 2009–2022, with people harmed and others potentially unknown to the church.
- The church issued an unreserved apology and said support will be offered to those affected, with leaders encouraging people to come forward.
- Rev David Bruce is set to take over responsibilities at month‑end as colleagues outline next steps for safeguarding and governance.
- Leaders detailed lapses including failures to follow ‘Taking Care’ guidance, poor record‑keeping, missed statutory referrals, inadequate responses to concerns, and weak monitoring of some offenders, and confirmed this is the first Moderator resignation since the denomination’s 1840 founding.