Makin Report brands John Smyth as CofE’s ‘most prolific serial abuser’

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.