Review The
Special General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
18 February 2026
“Ecclesiastical earthquake”
In his opening address to the Assembly, Moderator Dr Richard Murray, said that the Church was living through “an ecclesiastical earthquake” and encouraged members to look to Psalm 46. During the service of worship, which was preceded by a time of prayer, Dr Murray highlighted that as a Church we need to seek our refuge in the Lord, draw on the river of his Spirit and learn to rest in him: “I encourage you in this time of trouble for PCI not to fear but to flee to the Lord Jesus Christ as the Lord of the church.” He also drew attention to God’s grace and his continued presence with us. Looking ahead, he said: “Let’s be careful to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.”
Victims remembered Safeguarding While February’s Special Assembly was called to focus on two specific and time sensitive pieces of business, the victims of PCI’s failings were to the forefront of many minds. During morning worship, Moderator Dr Richard Murray said, “We affirm those who have faithfully and dutifully carried out their safeguarding duties, but others have failed us, and in their wake, we are acutely aware
of people who have suffered and been left desolate.” In his prayer, the Moderator’s chaplain, Rev Mark Neilly remembered victims, known and unknown, saying, “We ask that you would draw near to them as the God of all comfort. Bring healing where there is pain, bring truth where there is uncertainty, bring justice where it is needed and restoration where it is possible.” General Council convener Dr David Bruce assured the House that, as work begins on decisions made at December’s Special Assembly, “the needs of those who have been hurt and harmed remains of paramount concern and importance to us.”
PCI’s Safeguarding Department has now been set up. Dermot Parsons, who was Secretary to the Council for Social Witness and was due to step into the role of Head of Safeguarding, has resigned, but as Dr David Bruce explained “active steps are being taken to recruit a successor” and to strengthen the staffing team in this new department. Policies and procedures are being updated, with documents being improved, but “naturally, it will take time for matters to bed in, with appropriate staffing levels being addressed,” he added. Rev Peter Gamble, PCI’s Deputy Clerk, told the House that the new department’s staff are “working very hard and with great effectiveness.” As previously agreed at December’s Special Assembly, the department will be paid for through congregational assessments.