After Smyth, after Makin – how does evangelical culture need to change?

Nicola Laver  |  UK & Ireland
Date posted:  21 Nov 2024
Share Add       
After Smyth, after Makin – how does  evangelical culture need to change?

Top L: Susie Leafe, R: Kay Morgan-Gur. Bottom L: Jon Barrett, R: Darren Moore

The Makin Review into the horrific abuse carried out by John Smyth was always going to send shockwaves through the Church of England – and the evangelical world both within that denomination and beyond it. Smyth – QC, church reader and sadist – abused at least 115 children and young men over a period spanning some 50 years. Some later attempted suicide.

The report does not hold back. The victims’ accounts are harrowing; the failures of successive CofE leaders – including many evangelicals – from the top down are exposed. Makin could not be clearer: conservative evangelical culture facilitated Smyth’s abuse. His brutal proclivities were an open secret among a faction within the church who could have acted – but didn’t. The institution, its beliefs and reputation, were more important than the individuals being abused.

Accountability is crucial

So what’s next? Can Smyth’s victims meaningfully begin a new chapter? It could be more challenging than it needs to be given the time it’s taken for the first (and only, at the time of writing) resignation to happen.

Share
< Previous article| UK & Ireland| Next article >
Read more articles on:   Makin Report
Read more articles by Nicola Laver >>
UK & Ireland
Abergavenny Mosque challenged by councillors

Abergavenny Mosque challenged by councillors

A local authority is facing legal action by three Christian councillors after it approved the use of a former Abergavenny …

UK & Ireland
OMF investigation:  No end in sight yet

OMF investigation: No end in sight yet

An investigation into allegations against several individuals from two former pupils at a former Chefoo school is “complex and sensitive”, …

Need to advertise?

We can help you reach Christians across the country

Find out more

About en

Our vision, values and history

Read more