The Northern Ireland Evangelical Alliance has made clear its support for the two women who were sexually assaulted as minors by one of the region’s most influential political leaders, who is also a Christian.

The judges have found that Jeffrey Donaldson, is guilty of 18 historical sex offences against two women when they were children, including one count of rape.

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The two women, now adults, have been publicly identified only as A and B. Donaldson’s wife was also convicted of complicity in the offences, but could not stand trial due to her mental health.

Donaldson led the Protestant Unionist Party of Northern Ireland (the DUP) between 2021 and 2024 and also headed its parliamentary group in Westminster, London, from 2019 until that same date, when he resigned after being charged with the offences.

Donaldson is a member of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and openly professed his Christian faith, in a context where the Catholic and Protestant backgrounds of its citizens have greatly shaped its history and political voting patterns.

Evangelical Alliance: Christians need to reflect on abuse cases

The court’s unanimous verdict on all charges “is a clear vindication for the two brave women who testified against Jeffrey Donaldson”, said David Smyth, Head of the Evangelical Alliance Northern Ireland. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them, today and in the days to come”.

The Evangelical Alliance stated that “this is another sombre moment” in which Christians “need to reconsider how we can better respond to violence against women and girls”.

“The public figure who wore a Christian fish pin on his lapel has yet to show any signs of remorse or repentance; in contrast, these women demonstrated the faith they professed with courage and grace”.

A cultural shift, including within Christian circles

Amy Scott, who serves as policy officer at the Evangelical Alliance Northern Ireland, added: “Our first thoughts are with the two survivors whose immense courage and bravery have brought these abuses to light”.

“No position of authority, influence or public standing, nor any profession of faith, should ever shield someone from accountability”, she added. “As Christians, we are called to stand with those who have been harmed, pursue justice, and work towards cultures where the vulnerable are protected and abuse is never ignored or concealed”.