The review carried out by Keith Makin QC into the Church of England’s handling of allegations of serious abuse by the late John Smyth has been published today, 7 November. The Church’s statement and the review can be found here.
We associate the Diocese of Lichfield with the comments made by Mr Makin in his report and the apology made by the Church’s Lead Bishop for Safeguarding, the Rt Revd Joanne Grenfell and National Director of Safeguarding, Alexander Kubeyinje.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has also made a personal statement.
We will not add to these.
To the best of our knowledge none of John Smyth’s victims has come forward from within this diocese, but anyone at all who is affected by this news is encouraged to use the support services offered below.
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 safeguarding@churchofengland.org.
There are also other support services available.