Smyth scandal: Makin fallout continues

A slow but steady fallout following the publication of the Makin Review into John Smyth’s decades-long abuse is under way.

The review criticises ‘powerful’ conservative evangelical leaders – many are explicitly named. Few have been sanctioned so far.

Following the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby – who Makin criticised for failing to act – other clergy have had their ‘permission to officiate’ (PTO) licences suspended pending further investigation by the Church of England (CofE). These include Hugh Palmer, a former Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth who had contact with two of Smyth’s victims; Rico Tice, founder of Christianity Explored; and Nick Scott, vicar at Trinity Church Cheltenham. Palmer was also on the Evangelicals Now board until last year and remains one of about 50 en ‘members’ with oversight of the paper.