The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand has named a predator minister who sexually abused children in communities where he served.

The late David Wentworth Pimm was in ministry for more than 40 years, including in Ōpōtiki and Murupara/Galatea.

He died in 2014, meaning he was never held accountable for his abuse.

Church executive secretary Reverend Erin Pendreigh said the work of the Royal Commission and survivors helped the church change its culture regarding how it responds to complaints.

“We are naming this former minister to encourage his victims to come forward to us for redress,” she said.

“The church deeply regrets his actions and the deep harm that he caused.”

Pendreigh said the church was working with three victims of Pimm’s historic abuse and, believed there to be more.

She said she could “not stress enough” to anyone who was abused by Pimm that it was not their fault, and that they were let down by the Church.

“If you spoke up and were not believed, or silenced, or asked to forgive, that was terribly wrong and we are truly sorry.”

The church urges all those harmed by Pimm as part of their involvement with the PCANZ to make contact.

“We are ready to listen, to begin redress when you are ready.

“You will be treated with respect and care.

“We can’t take away this betrayal, but we can through our survivor-centered redress try to help in ways that are important for each survivor.

“Our focus now is on being accountable and transparent,” she said.

Pimm was originally from Mataura Presbytery and his early years in ministry were in the South Island.

His second parish was at Ōpōtiki. He was here from January 19, 1966 to December 1971.

During a period of itinerant ministry between 1978 and 1981, he served short periods in several parishes, including Southern Urewera (Murupara and Galatea) in the second half of 1979.

Pendreigh said the church continued to strengthen its safeguards to prevent future harm and was committed to making sure it did not repeat past failings through strong consistent policies and procedures to both report and prevent abuse.

“Through our mandated protective policies, every person representing or working for us must adhere to our Code of Ethics policy.

“And where a church member is responsible for children and young people – tamariki and rangatahi – our Child Protection Policy must be enforced.”

Anyone who wishes to report historic abuse by Pimm, or historic abuse by anyone connected with the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, should contact the church to discuss options or make a claim for redress.

Email [email protected] or Freephone 0800 727 337 or see the PCANZ website https://www.presbyterian.org.nz/about-us/contact-us/historic-abuse

For non-historic complaints, anyone can make a complaint about any acts of inappropriate or unethical behaviour by a Presbyterian Church office holder or member.