The Diocese of Down and Dromore has declined to comment further on issues raised in a recent BBC Spotlight investigation and subsequent news article into safeguarding within the Church of Ireland. The programme, broadcast on 9th June, examined a number of safeguarding matters, including historic abuse cases and more recent concerns surrounding the appointment and supervision of a commissioned lay worker at St Brendan's Church, Sydenham, in east Belfast. According to the BBC, the lay worker, Joe Turner, was appointed in 2017 despite a significant criminal record. The programme reported concerns regarding delays in completing the required Access NI checks, his attendance on a youth trip after being instructed not to do so, and allegations examined as part of an internal Church review. Mr Turner rejected suggestions that his criminal history was relevant to his suitability for ministry and denied allegations of inappropriate conduct. The programme also featured claims by The Reverend...