BISHOP Jonathan has reaffirmed his commitment to the primary importance of safeguarding across our diocese in the wake of the Makin Report. 

He said: “I have now had an opportunity to read the entire Makin Report. I am utterly appalled by the horrific abuse committed by John Smyth. The failures of multiple individuals to take appropriate action to prevent this happening is both sobering and deeply shaming. 

“My thoughts and prayers continue to be for the survivors, in the UK and in Africa, who are still living with the consequences of Smyth’s abhorrent abuse. I am profoundly grateful for this independent report and for those who have spoken out and disclosed what happened to them. Their courage is inspiring and will enable us to understand how to prevent this happening in future. 

“Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone in the Church, those at the grass roots communities of the Church of England and those whose calling is to support the life of those communities through leadership and service. I am shocked to the core by the failures in leadership brought to attention by Keith Makin – and will, on a personal level, seek to glean every ounce of learning from the Report’s findings and recommendations. I know that churches and church schools in our diocese will continue to do their utmost to ensure children, young people and vulnerable adults are kept safe, by engaging with safeguarding training, fostering a safe culture, and putting into practice the appropriate policies and procedures. 

“We’ve ensured that safeguarding is always high on the agenda in our meetings of diocesan bodies, and we have employed the professional safeguarding staff we need to advise, train, and challenge us. As a diocese which longs to be centred in Jesus and seeking God’s Kingdom, we need to get safeguarding right before we attempt to be or do anything else. 

“The safeguarding culture within the Church of England is being transformed, but we cannot be complacent. In this foundational area of our life, we should think of ourselves as a ‘work in progress’, ceaselessly open to the voice and experience of survivors and ready to improve our practices. I’d urge anyone who has any concerns to come forward and report what they know, to help us keep our churches as safe as possible.”