The Police Service of Northern Ireland has received 101 referrals as part of its ongoing investigation into safeguarding concerns within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI).
In an update on the investigation, which began three months ago, the PSNI said it had received direct reports from victims, referrals from safeguarding partners and other parties.
Referrals have been "actively progressed" as part of the overarching investigative response, according to a statement.
The PSNI also pointed out that the number of referrals changes on a daily basis and all information received is carefully assessed, in line with "established investigative, safeguarding and evidential procedures".
The Head of the PSNI's Public Protection Branch confirmed that the investigation "remains a priority".
Detective Chief Superintendent Zoë McKee said the focus remained on providing the best possible service to those most affected by the safeguarding failures.
"We are committed to the investigation of criminality and the protection and safeguarding of those who are or have been victims of crime," she said.
Police in Northern Ireland launched a criminal investigation into allegations of abuse within the Presbyterian Church in November last year.
A dedicated investigation team was established and victims were urged to come forward.
Those with information regarding safeguarding concerns in the church were also asked to contact police.
In the statement issued today Detective Chief Superintendent McKee reiterated those calls.
"We are working closely with valued partners and continue to appeal for anyone with information relating to safeguarding concerns that was either known by or reported to the PCI, to tell us what you know," she said.
She acknowledged that it takes "huge courage" for victims to report, however, she pointed out there are specialist detectives dedicated to the enquiry.
"The team have experience in managing complex and sensitive investigations and have been specifically resourced to ensure the investigation is progressed professionally and efficiently," she said.
In response to the update from the PSNI, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Reverend Dr Richard Murray said the PCI was saddened to learn of the figures contained in the statement, but he welcomed "clarity" regarding the ongoing criminal investigation.
"When we announced in November our failures in central safeguarding, we called for victims, survivors, and those with concerns, to come forward," he said.
"To those who have done so, we want to acknowledge their bravery, and apologise again to those who have suffered or been harmed due to our inactions or inadequate responses. For these, we continue to deeply lament."
In November, the church's moderator Rev Trevor Gribben resigned after an internal report found "serious and significant failings" in safeguarding within the church between 2009 and 2022.
In November, the church's moderator Rev Trevor Gribben resigned after an internal report found "serious and significant failings" in safeguarding within the church between 2009 and 2022.
Yesterday, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland agreed to establish a new three-person senior leadership team as part of the ongoing process of addressing a range of issues stemming from failings in the central administration of its safeguarding processes.
The team will include the appointment of a new Clerk of the General Assembly with revised responsibilities, the Deputy Clerk, and the creation of a new post, Director of Operations.
The decision was taken by the all-Ireland denomination’s Special General Assembly, which met in Belfast yesterday.
Over 400 Ministers and representative elders from each of the Church’s 500-plus congregations attended the meeting in Assembly Buildings.
When the Police Service of Northern Ireland began its investigation, it confirmed that it had spoken to An Garda Síochána about the possibility that there could be victims on both sides of the border.
There are over 185,000 members of the Presbyterian Church in 500 congregations on the island of Ireland.
