The recently published Keith Makin report has exposed one of the Church of England’s darkest chapters. As legal professionals representing survivors of abuse, we at Hugh James believe it’s crucial to understand how institutional failures allowed this abuse in religious organisations to continue for decades.
A facade of respectability
John Smyth appeared to have it all – a successful career as a QC, connections within the Church of England, and a reputation for nurturing young Christian leaders through summer camps. Behind this carefully constructed image lay a devastating pattern of abuse that would affect countless young lives.
“The most prolific serial abuser associated with the Church of England.” These words from the Makin report (November 2024) tell only part of the story.
The scale of abuse revealed
The numbers are shocking:
- Eight boys subjected to 14,000 lashes
- Two others enduring 8,000 strokes
- Abuse spanning three years
- Multiple forms of abuse: physical, sexual, emotional, and spiritual
But statistics don’t capture the human cost – the lives altered, the trust betrayed, the faith questioned.
A pattern of institutional failure
Perhaps most disturbing is how many knew and how little was done. The Church’s response followed a familiar pattern:
- Awareness of abuse as early as 1982
- Minimal action taken
- Active cover-up decisions
- Opportunities for justice missed
Instead of facing justice, Smyth was encouraged to leave the UK. He relocated to Zimbabwe, where tragically, the abuse continued. Even a manslaughter charge relating to a 16-year-old’s death at one of his camps didn’t lead to conviction.
The Archbishop’s apology
The current Archbishop of Canterbury’s recent apology acknowledges how Smyth “manipulated Christian truth to justify his evil acts.” But for many survivors, these words come decades too late.
Refusal to face justice
Efforts to hold Smith accountable fell short, his relocation to Zimbabwe and later South Africa an escape facilitated by inaction. While there, Smith was involved in another tragic incident, accused but again not convicted for the manslaughter of a boy at one of his camps. The Church knew and did little, leading to a continuation of abuse and missed opportunities for accountability.
The church’s responsibility
The Keith Makin report painfully details the Church’s minimal response when faced with growing evidence and continuous cries for justice from survivors. Notably, attempts to bring Smith to justice were delayed or ignored despite acknowledged safeguarding obligations.
A call for atonement
Alan Collins emphasises that now, despite the enormous span of time and pain, the Church of England must take decisive steps towards redemption. The survivors deserve recognition, respect, and the chance to be truly heard—a step that mandates honesty, transparency, and reflection from those who turned a blind eye.
The time for managing narratives to protect reputations has passed, necessitating earnest dialogue about what justice means for those affected and how the Church can genuinely atone for years of embedded suffering. Collins urges that these are matters left to the victims to determine, rather than narratives constructed to absolve the Church of its past.
As the shadows linger, we remember that justice delayed is justice denied. The Church finds itself in a precariously complex position—a rectifying force must be enacted for the future, even as belated justice continues to stare back from unresolved histories.
If this issue resonates with you or if you have thoughts and insights, please reach out. There lies hope in community and dialogue to ensure history does not continue repeating itself.
Supporting survivors today
At Hugh James, we represent multiple survivors of Smyth’s abuse. While he evaded justice before his death, we continue to fight for:
- Recognition of survivors’ experiences
- Accountability from institutions
- Compensation for lasting impacts
- Changes to prevent future abuse
Looking forward
This case demonstrates why speaking out matters. While Smyth’s death means he’ll never face criminal charges, survivors still have legal options for seeking justice and recognition. This concern prompted calls for a Church of England Redress Scheme.
Your story matters. Whether you’re ready to take legal action or just need to talk through your options, we’re here to listen and support you on your journey toward justice.
Remember: The path to justice starts with breaking the silence. We’re here to help you take that first step.
