Incoming Moderator Comments on NDAs
The incoming moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI), Rev Richard Kerr, has stated that the church has nothing to conceal but has not ruled out the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) within its operations.
Police Investigation and Church Admission
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has reported receiving over 100 "referrals" as part of their ongoing investigation into safeguarding concerns at the PCI. This investigation follows the church's admission of "serious and significant failings in the central safeguarding functions from the period 2009 to 2022."
Rev Richard Kerr's Position on NDAs
Rev Kerr, who is set to assume the role of moderator in June, described the situation regarding the church's use of NDAs as "the jury is out." NDAs are legally binding contracts that protect confidential information between parties and typically prevent current and former staff from disclosing certain information publicly. The Presbyterian Church has acknowledged prior use of such agreements.
When asked whether he supports ending the use of NDAs, Rev Kerr responded,
"We are looking into these. I agree with us looking into them and investigating whether they should be used or otherwise."
He further explained,
"At this stage for me the jury is out to some extent. NDAs are used right across the board in so many aspects of life."
Rev Kerr also acknowledged the negative perception surrounding NDAs, stating,
"The optics of NDAs are not good and the church needs to look at this and why we use them."
He added,
"At this stage I personally don't know enough about them to be able to make that sort of judgement. I want to stress that I want to do all I can to make sure we are as open and transparent across the board in every way that we can. So please do hear me clearly on this, I am prepared to look at anything that makes sure that we do that."
Additional Investigations and Leadership Changes
In addition to the PSNI investigation, the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland has initiated an inquiry into the church's safeguarding practices.
Rev Trevor Gribben, who served as the church's moderator until recently, stepped down at the end of November. He acknowledged that while he was not directly responsible for safeguarding delivery, some failings occurred during his tenure in senior church positions.
Apology and Commitment to Transparency
Rev Kerr has issued an apology for the safeguarding failings, stating,
"We have let people down. We have hurt people. People have been harmed as a result of these failings. I am deeply apologetic for that."
He expressed hope that the ongoing investigations by the PSNI and the Charity Commission will identify necessary areas for improvement, saying,
"We hope that these investigations by the PSNI, and by the Charity Commission NI will reveal what needs to be addressed, so we can fully address those things."
Rev Kerr emphasized the church's commitment to transparency and accountability, stating,
"We have nothing that we want to hide here. We want this all brought into the open and we want this dealt with and we want to start in a place where we rebuild trust."
