The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has committed to publishing the full findings of an independent safeguarding review, as a new moderator was installed during its general assembly in Belfast.

Rev Richard Kerr was formally appointed at Assembly Buildings, replacing Rev Richard Murray who had been recalled to the role following the resignation of moderator Rev Trevor Gribben last November. Mr Gribben stepped down after serious failures were discovered in the church’s central safeguarding functions for children and vulnerable adults.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland subsequently launched major investigations. PSNI is examining potential criminal offences and has said it is looking at 101 safeguarding referrals, while the commission is reviewing organisational governance.

Rev Murray, from Ballymoney, had served as moderator the previous year and was asked to return. He told the assembly he wept at the enormity of the task and at times wanted to flee. He said both statutory inquiries insisted on communicating solely with him, placing the entire burden on his shoulders. The church formed a Statutory Investigations Advisory Task Group to support him.

In his address, Rev Kerr said the denomination had failed to protect those most in need of protection. “People precious to God have been harmed as a result,” he stated, calling the failings a matter of great shame. He paid tribute to Rev Murray for returning to lead through what he described as tumultuous months, noting that Rev Murray moderated more general assemblies than any moderator in living memory. Delegates gave Rev Murray a standing ovation.

Rev Jonathan Boyd, the newly appointed clerk of the general assembly, told delegates that the Charity Commission investigation findings will be published in full. The INEQE Safeguarding Group, led by former senior PSNI officer Jim Gamble, has been approved by the commission to carry out the independent external review of governance and safeguarding. Rev Boyd said transparency and honesty are vital for restoring confidence in the church’s arrangements.

The review will soon begin gathering information from congregations and individuals. Much of the police investigation remains confidential to protect its integrity. Rev Boyd acknowledged the “fairly significant burden” borne by the moderator as the single point of contact.

During the assembly, a proposal to suspend the work of the General Assembly Governance Culture and Integrity Task Group was debated but rejected. The church’s director of operations, Ken Swarbrick, disclosed that the general investment fund holds £80 million, much of it belonging to congregations, with a further £3 million to £4 million in bank accounts.