The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland kicked-off on Monday 7th June. The annual reports book for discussion were launched and are one of the biggest in its history.

The book contains 23 reports from the Boards of the Church and 50 associated committees together with over 200 resolutions which will be debated at the Church's General Assembly which meets in Belfast until Friday June 11.

Around 1200 delegates, representative of every Presbyterian congregation in Ireland, together with youth and women representatives are entitled to attend.

The incoming Moderator Dr Ken Newell was officially installed at the opening session at 7.00pm. He addressed his theme for the year, “Live a Life of Love”.

Child sexual abuse scandal in the churches is now very common in many countries which has brought anxiety to congregations and is a blasphemy to those who pursue the path of love and holiness in Christ.

The major report from the Board of Social Witness of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland emphasises that the Presbyterians acknowledge that the problem can occur in the church and desires to prevent such abuse.

Even though currently the church has already got a set of Child Protection Guidelines, the latest report to the General Assembly confirms that these guidelines were updated this year to “provide additional information on the handling of complaints of sexual abuse against ministers and others in positions of leadership, including referral to statutory authorities, pastoral care and suspension arrangements.”

The report underlines that within the Presbyterian Church “sexual abuse of any kind by church leaders, staff or volunteers, will not be tolerated.” Moreover, “When complaints of sexual abuse arise, the Church will respond with seriousness, sensitivity and concern for all involved.”

To the victims of the abuse, the church will take a healing approach. “The Church will continue to promote the healing of the person or persons scarred as a result of sexual abuse and consider if, or how, ministry which has been damaged may be most effectively renewed.”

Prevention is better than cure. “Because of the serious consequences of sexual abuse, the Church will make every effort to ensure that such abuse does not occur within its jurisdiction,” the report says. The report also states the vital role of education in preventing the tragedy, “Educational programmes are a necessity and must be initiated and supported by all parts of the Church.” It urges members to “learn to create environments that foster healthy relationships and sound leadership.”

The Board of Social Witness has tabled a resolution to the Assembly asking it to welcome the latest edition of the Church's Child Protection Guidelines.