An official report has described John Smyth, a barrister and close associate of Archbishop Justin Welby, as the Church of England’s ‘most prolific serial abuser.’
According to Channel 4 journalist Cathy Newman on X, the report accuses top church officials, including Welby, one of his predecessors and multiple Bishops, of failing to stop Smyth’s abuse of as many as 130 boys and young men across the UK, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The report claims that Welby and other church leaders failed in their ‘personal and moral responsibility’ to warn the South African church about Smyth's activities. It also criticises Welby for showing a ‘distinct lack of curiosity’ about the allegations and minimising the severity of the abuse.
Keith Makin was commissioned by the Church of England to author the report more than five years ago, following abuse allegations made against Smyth in a 2017 Channel 4 documentary. Victims of Smyth's abuse have called for multiple resignations, including that of Archbishop Welby.
An exclusive interview with the Archbishop is due to air tonight on Channel 4 at 7pm, where Welby is expected to respond to the damning report.
Help and support
If you or anyone you know is affected by the Makin Report in any way, help is available via
FearFree Support, which provides specialist support to victims and survivors of abuse, offering trauma informed and victim led bespoke support. Its head of services has identified an experienced independent advocate for victims and survivors to deliver this service. Contact: nicky.gahagan@fearfree.org.uk telephone 07436795205 (TuesThurs)/helpdesk 01793 317482 during working hours.
Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 and safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk; Samaritans helpline-116-123;
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