A message from Bishop Rachel and Bishop Robert regarding John Smyth
“The Makin report on John Smyth makes sickening and sobering reading. That this level of abuse could be going on in the Church and other institutions, and knowingly by so many, is abhorrent and disturbs us to our core.
“As Bishops in the Church of England we are profoundly sorry for the hurt, the pain and the suffering which victims and survivors of John Smyth’s abuse have endured, and we are ashamed at the Church’s response to the allegations. We are also appalled that any clergy person could believe that covering up abuse was justified in the name of the Gospel. We will continue to advocate for a process of satisfactory redress for victims and survivors of abuse while recognising that this can never undo the pain and impact on people’s lives.
“There is a repellent sense of repetition in reading these reports and once again seeing the failings in the Church’s responses. Both in 2013 and in 2017 the responses that the Church made were inadequate and we seek to do better. As Bishops we remain committed to creating a safer culture across our Diocese, and safeguarding the welfare of every child, young person and adult.”
Finding support
If you or anyone you are in contact with are affected by the publication of this report and want to talk to someone independently please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or visit safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk.
Alternatively, you may wish to contact the diocesan safeguarding team or the National Safeguarding Team at gro.d1733247925nalgn1733247925efohc1733247925ruhc@1733247925gnidr1733247925augef1733247925as1733247925.
There are also other support services available.
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