This year’s series of annual meetings of the main Protestant churches has ended, but as members seek the sun on their summer holidays, a dark cloud still hangs over the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI).

It is still under scrutiny by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland because of failings in its central safeguarding functions. In another important move recently, An Garda Síochána has appealed to anyone in the Republic who believes that they were “a victim of abuse or a criminal act relating to the PCI” to contact their local Garda station or the Garda at 1800 555222, a confidential line.

This development is not surprising as gardaí have been liaising with the PSNI on this matter since last year. The then moderator the Rt Rev Dr Trevor Gribben sent shock waves through the PCI and wider community when, last November, he abruptly stepped down over perceived serious failings in the church’s........

© The Irish Times