Makin Report brands John Smyth as CofE’s ‘most prolific serial abuser’

Milla Ling-Davies  |  UK & Ireland
Date posted:  7 Nov 2024
Share Add       
Makin Report brands John Smyth as CofE’s ‘most prolific serial abuser’

Justin Welby, who is criticised in the Makin report

An official report has described John Smyth, a barrister and close associate of Archbishop Justin Welby, as the Church of England’s ‘most prolific serial abuser.’

According to Channel 4 journalist Cathy Newman on X, the report accuses top church officials, including Welby, one of his predecessors and multiple Bishops, of failing to stop Smyth’s abuse of as many as 130 boys and young men across the UK, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The report claims that Welby and other church leaders failed in their ‘personal and moral responsibility’ to warn the South African church about Smyth's activities. It also criticises Welby for showing a ‘distinct lack of curiosity’ about the allegations and minimising the severity of the abuse.

Share
< Previous article| UK & Ireland| Next article >
Read more articles on:   Makin Report  /  abuse
Read more articles by Milla Ling-Davies >>
UK & Ireland
CofE complementarians ‘extremely concerned’

CofE complementarians ‘extremely concerned’

Evangelicals are reacting with “extreme concern” to the launch of a new campaign aiming to eliminate the provisions included in …

UK & Ireland
Buses to display John 3:16 to thousands

Buses to display John 3:16 to thousands

As part of a new gospel project, a bus with God's Word plastered across the back will soon be operating …

Subscribe

Enjoy our monthly paper and full online access

Find out more

About en

Our vision, values and history.

Read more