Channel 4's John Smyth documentary: Distressing, horrendous, moving

Rebecca Chapman  |  Features
Date posted:  15 Dec 2025
Share Add       
Channel 4's John Smyth documentary: Distressing, horrendous, moving

Anne Smyth. Source Passion Pictures

The following content relates to disturbing and horrific crimes of abuse and could be both upsetting and triggering.

It has been just over a year since the Makin Review was published.

The review into the Church of England's response to allegations of abuse by the late John Smyth had been a long time coming, and it was expected to be challenging reading. And it was. Devastating and horrific. Having read the full report and annexes for en when it was initially published, along with every Cathy Newman interview on the subject to date, I had thought that we were reaching the "no stone left unturned" stage.  

Share
< Previous article| Features| Next article >
Read more articles on:   Church of England  /  TV & film
Read more articles by Rebecca Chapman >>
Features
100 years of Pooh: Where is the gospel in the Hundred Acre Wood?

100 years of Pooh: Where is the gospel in the Hundred Acre Wood?

In October 1926, the first collection of stories about a fictional bear was published. One hundred years later, that bear …

Reviews
J. D. Vance autobiography: finding faith in politics?

J. D. Vance autobiography: finding faith in politics?

Vice-President J.D.Vance is not an uncontroversial figure. His second book Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith is …

Subscribe

Enjoy our monthly paper and full online access for just £40/year

Find out more

Need to advertise?

We can help you reach Christians across the country

Find out more