Rev Richard Kerr, the incoming Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, has apologised for failures in the church's central child safeguarding systems. He serves as a minister in Templepatrick, Co Antrim. Kerr stated the church got things wrong and expressed grief over harm caused to people by these failings. He aims to address the issues during his year as leader.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has received 101 referrals related to child safeguarding issues within the church, including reports from victims and safeguarding partners. The number is expected to increase. A Charity Commission for Northern Ireland investigation is ongoing.

An internal church report covering 2009 to 2021, plus one case in 2022, found failures to refer child protection concerns to statutory authorities. The report identified inadequate responses to concerns about individuals in three congregations on both sides of the Border. It noted poor record-keeping and insufficient monitoring of offenders permitted to return to worship.

Former Moderator Rev Trevor Gribben resigned after the report revealed serious failings in central safeguarding functions. Gribben stated people had been placed at risk and some harmed.

The internal probe began after information from police about William Maher, a 37-year-old primary school teacher from King's Brae in Belfast. Maher, also a voluntary youth leader in the church, was convicted in May 2025 of child sex offences against two 10-year-old pupils. He received a one-year prison sentence and one year on licence for offences including sexual communications with a child and inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity between September 2021 and May 2022.

Kerr plans to meet victims, listen to their stories, and provide counselling and support through a structured process. The church has established a separate safeguarding department with adequate staffing and resources. Governance changes split the roles of clerk and general secretary.

A working group is examining redress options, which may include financial compensation. Kerr ruled out a full independent inquiry, citing the Charity Commission probe. He committed to publishing facts after PSNI and CCNI investigations conclude, aiming to foster openness and rebuild trust.