The independent review by Keith Makin into the Church of England’s handling of allegations of serious abuse by the late John Smyth has been published. The full review can be read here. Links to further information may be found on the Church of England website.
Following the publication of the report Bishop Michael said:
Having taken time to review the Makin Report into the Church’s handling of allegations of serious abuse by the late John Smyth, I am shocked and profoundly saddened by its findings. The details revealed highlight issues that cannot be ignored. As a Bishop of the Church of England, I want to express my profound sorrow and apology to those who suffered such appalling abuse at the hands of John Smyth.
Creating a culture of safeguarding that genuinely supports victims and prevents harm is a shared responsibility that extends to each of us. It requires our collective commitment to ensuring that those who have the courage to come forward feel safe, believed and heard without fear of dismissal or judgment.
Working together in this way we can remain committed to ensuring that our churches are safe places for everyone.
Ben Goodhind, Bath and Wells Safeguarding Manager, has reflected on the findings of the Makin Report.
Many of you, like me, will now have either had sight of the publication of the Makin Review on the abuse perpetrated by John Smyth and the Church of England’s handling of allegations in relation to it. Many of you will also have seen reports in last nights news and this morning’s newspapers. I can only describe the report’s findings as shameful, deeply distressing, concerning and indefensible. I would like to acknowledge the significant life changing harm abuse such as this causes as well as the further harm caused by the inadequate response. I would like to recognise the bravery of those who came forward and thank them most sincerely.
I joined the diocese 3 years ago following the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in the Anglican Church and as the Past Case Review process was drawing to an end. Both processes raised similar concerns to the Makin Review. My ambition when I took on this role was to create a culture in the diocese where survivors feel confident coming forward to report abuse and confident in how their allegations will be investigated and managed. My team and I have worked hard for a number of years to focus on the recommendations of these processes being implemented. Sadly, I fear this publication will set this ambition back considerably.
I would like to reassert the commitment of the Diocese of Bath and Wells and my team in ensuring that every PCC in the diocese, all our clergy, staff and volunteers discharge their safeguarding obligations to the levels expected of their roles and that where this does not happen, we will address it expediently and without undue influence or pressure to disregard.
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please do get in touch with the Safeguarding team.