Church of England ‘broken’, lead safeguarding bishop says after abuse scandal The Church of England is “broken”, the lead safeguarding bishop said as victims of abuser John Smyth looked on at a gathering of the Church’s parliament.
During the debate, unnamed survivors of Smyth implored Synod members to consider victims during their discussions and voting on safeguarding issues, through statements read out by deputy lead bishop for safeguarding Bishop of Birkenhead Julie Conalty.
Smyth – thought to be the most prolific serial abuser to be associated with the Church – is said to have subjected his victims to traumatic attacks across five decades in three different countries and involving as many as 130 boys and young men in the UK and Africa.
Bishop of Stepney Joanne Grenfell made the comments at the General Synod on Monday during a debate on the Makin Review which looked at the Church’s handling of allegations of serious abuse by the late barrister Smyth.
“If the Church of England does not show moral leadership, then she will die, and the country will lose a valuable force for good and so I urge anyone who has attempted to protect the Church from this scandal to come forward and explain their actions.”.
