Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Gardaí issue appeal for victims of abuse by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

Gardaí are appealing to anyone resident in Ireland who believes they are a victim of a criminal act relating to the Presbyterian Church to contact them.

Police in Northern Ireland launched a criminal investigation last November into allegations of abuse within the church.

Gardaí said they have been liaising "with the PSNI on this matter since late 2025".

There are over 185,000 members of the Presbyterian Church in 500 congregations on both sides of the border.

An Garda Síochána urged people who wish to speak to them to contact their local garda station or the Garda National Protective Services Bureau.

"Your contact will be handled with sensitivity and empathy," a statement said.

It added: "An Garda Síochána will deal with any matters reported by complainants in a sensitive manner and will, where possible, progress matters through investigation.

"An Garda Síochána will endeavour to effectively deal with all contacts, however there may be limitations as to the action that could be taken in some cases due to matters such as the unavailability of evidence over time or suspects and/or witnesses being deceased."

Gardaí also said that they have not received any complaints relating to abuse in the Presbyterian Church to date.

Last November, the church's moderator, Rev Trevor Gribben, resigned after an internal report found "serious and significant failings" in safeguarding within the church between 2009 and 2022.

At the time, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland said it would be co-operating fully with the PSNI investigation.

For the purpose of reporting to An Garda Síochána, the following options are available:

By emailing GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie

By phoning the Sexual Crime Management Unit on (01) 666 3430 or (01) 666 3435

By phoning the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222. This is a confidential and free service available 24/7

Calling to your local Garda Station