Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Northern Ireland's Largest Protestant Church Under Criminal Investigation
The biggest Protestant church in Northern Ireland is being investigated by police because they didn't handle some serious problems (called safeguarding concerns) properly between 2009 and 2022.
The church leader stepped down, and the church said they're sorry and will help with the investigation.
Northern Irish police confirmed an investigation into the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI)
The probe is due to safeguarding concerns and potential criminal offences
The Church admitted failures in handling cases from 2009 to 2022
PCI's chief public representative, Trevor Gribben, stepped aside due to these failings
The Church expressed regret and pledged full cooperation with the investigation
- Who
- The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) and its leaders
- What
- Failed to properly handle safeguarding concerns, potentially putting people at risk
- When
- Between 2009 and 2022
- Where
- Northern Ireland
- Why
- The police are investigating potential criminal offences
- Church Membership
- Around one in six people in Northern Ireland
- Catholic Population
- 42%
- Investigation Status
- Ongoing
- Affected Period
- 2009 to 2022
- Stepped Down Leader
- Trevor Gribben