The head of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has stepped down after “serious and significant failings” in safeguarding.

The Rev Trevor Gribben said “people have been placed at risk” due to the failings.

It is believed to be the first time in the long history of the church that the leader, known as moderator, has stepped aside while in office. He will leave the position at the end of this month.

In a statement, he said the safeguarding failings took place between 2009 and 2022. During part of that period, he had a senior role in the church as general secretary.

Rev Gribben said: “Following an internal investigation and report, it has become clear that there have been serious and significant failings in the central safeguarding functions of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

“As a result of this, people have been placed at risk. We are aware of a number of people who have been harmed, and we believe there may well be others as yet unknown to us. We apologise unreservedly for this.”

He added: “The Church’s first and greatest concern about this is for those people who have suffered harm, and those who have been put at risk.

“The Presbyterian Church in Ireland profoundly regrets this, is deeply grieved, and will offer all possible support to those affected.”