Harriet Sherwood, a Guardian journalist with extensive experience covering the Church of England, delves into the recent resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby amid a major child abuse scandal. They discuss the disturbing history of John Smythe and the church’s failure to protect victims. Sherwood highlights the impact of a revealing documentary that shed light on the abuse and raises critical questions about current safeguarding measures. The conversation emphasizes the ongoing trauma faced by survivors and the urgent need for reform within the Church.
Justin Welby's resignation highlights the Church of England's inadequacies in addressing historical abuse cases, particularly regarding the abuser John Smythe.
The report reveals ongoing systemic issues and a culture of silence within the church that hinders genuine accountability and support for abuse survivors.
Deep dives
Resignation of the Archbishop
The Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned following a major review that revealed the Church of England's failure to address abuse cases, particularly concerning the notorious abuser, John Smythe. This resignation came after significant pressure from various sources, including survivors of abuse, church members, and media, all calling for accountability regarding the church’s long history of safeguarding failures. The review criticized Justin Welby for not adequately reporting Smythe's actions and failing to support his victims, which ultimately led to scrutiny over his leadership. Welby’s acknowledgment of personal failure and insistence that he was unaware of Smythe’s actions prior to 2013 were met with skepticism, raising questions about systemic issues within the church hierarchy.
The Abuses of John Smythe
John Smythe, an influential figure within the church, groomed and abused numerous young men under the guise of religious teachings. His methods involved building trust through discussions about faith and sexuality, leading victims to endure severe physical punishments as a form of 'discipline.' Survivors of Smythe's abuses recount harrowing experiences where they were made to believe they needed to atone for their actions, interpreting the violence as a way to become better Christians. The church's inaction and attempts to cover up Smythe’s behavior exemplify the ongoing issues of complicity and neglect within institutions meant to protect the vulnerable.
Church's Ongoing Challenges
Despite increased focus on safeguarding procedures within the Church of England, significant challenges remain, stemming from a culture of protecting the institution’s reputation. While efforts have been made to establish safeguarding officers and protocols, survivors report feeling unheard and unvalued by church leadership, illustrating a disconnect between policy and practice. The report emphasizes the need for complete external oversight of safeguarding protocols to prevent further abuse and ensure genuine accountability. The church's slow response and divided opinions on leadership changes cast doubt on its ability to effectively evolve and support survivors moving forward.
After the publication of a damning report into a decades-long child abuse scandal, Justin Welby has bowed to pressure to resign as archbishop of Canterbury. Harriet Sherwood reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
