The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) has stood down a third minister in the wake of its devastating safeguarding scandal.
Rev Alastair McNeely, who has been the minister of Richhill Presbyterian Church for more than 30 years, has been asked to step aside by the church while Armagh Presbytery conducts an enquiry.
Rev McNeely is the third minister to be stood aside since last November. However, there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing.
It’s understood that a statement was read out by a spokesperson from Armagh Presbytery during last week’s morning services in Richhill.
A spokesperson for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland said: “We can confirm that a commission of the PCI’s Presbytery of Armagh was established to enquire into matters concerning the congregation in Richhill Presbyterian Church.
“As the finding is subject to appeals to the judicial commission of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, we can make no further comment.”
Rev McNeely was also contacted for comment but was not available.
Ordained to Ebrington Presbyterian Church in 1991, Rev McNeely was among four candidates to be shortlisted for Moderator of the General Assembly in 2022, but votes instead went to Rev Dr John Kirkpatrick.
Rev McNeely’s standing down follows that of two other ministers last year.
Last December, minister of Connor Presbyterian Church Rev Philip Thompson was temporarily stood aside. The Belfast man had been the minister at the church since 2017.
Separately, Rev Alan Johnston was stood down from Killinchy Presbyterian Church.
It’s understood that Rev Johnston is back working now and has returned to his post.
The temporary removal of the three ministers comes amidst turmoil in the Presbyterian Church.
Circumstances around the ministers stepping aside are not known.
Last November, the PSNI launched a criminal investigation into serious safeguarding failures by the Church; the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland is also undertaking a statutory enquiry.
In February, Sunday Life revealed that Dermot Parsons, director of the Council for Social Witness, had left his position with the PCI.
The circumstances surrounding his departure are not known.
Mr Parsons, who had been in the post since 2021, had overall responsibility for safeguarding the Church’s congregations, care homes, addiction centres and ex-offenders’ hostel.
A spokesperson for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland said: “As an employer, we never comment on the personal circumstances of any employee.”
Police have received 101 safeguarding referrals relating to the Presbyterian Church, according to a statement by the PSNI in February.