A Christian organisation in England says an inquiry into a Belfast minister who was asked to step aside over a historical issue is “not a safeguarding issue” after an updated statement removed the reference.
Last month the Belfast Telegraph reported Rev Scott Moore, director of the European Mission Fellowship (EMF), was requested to stand aside while a Presbyterian Church of Ireland (PCI) commission of inquiry examined a historical matter raised about his time here.
EMF, a missionary organisation, is defined as a “fellowship of churches and individuals with a long and fruitful history in evangelism, church planting and leadership training across Europe”.
Mr Moore was appointed as director in January 2024 and moved to England to take up the role.
Mr Moore resigned from PCI in December 2025, despite being a minister without charge.
A statement in March from EMF said: “The Trustees of EMF are fully aware that a concern about an historical matter has recently been raised with the Presbytery in respect of our director, Scott Moore, from his time serving as a Minister of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
“EMF has not been informed of the nature of the concern raised, other than that it is not a safeguarding matter. EMF takes all such concerns very seriously.
“Trustees welcome the proper commission of enquiry process of the Presbytery and will await the outcome.”
However, the statement has since been updated to remove the “not a safeguarding matter” reference.
When asked about the removal of the reference, EMF said: “The original statement said that EMF had been informed that the issue was not a safeguarding one. This is still the case.”
Daniel Grimwade, chair of trustees at EMF, said: “It is with sadness that I state that it is considered necessary for our Mission Director, Scott Moore, to step back from his duties as EMF Director for the time being.
“To ensure that our missionaries and staff are well-supported, Phil Jones (our Church Partnership Director) will be our Acting Mission Director for the period of Scott’s absence. Other support will be given by our very capable and committed staff and the willing involvement of Trustees.”
EMF did not respond to a request for comment on if Mr Moore is due to return to EMF, or if PCI has provided any update on the inquiry into him.
It’s understood Mr Moore has returned to Northern Ireland.
The Belfast Telegraph asked PCI if the inquiry into Mr Moore was a safeguarding matter; if it is ongoing despite his resignation, and if it had been contacted by EMF.
PCI said it had no further comment to make on the matter and referred to the previous statement which outlined Mr Moore’s resignation from the church in December.
Mr Moore did not respond to a request for comment.