Overview

• John Smyth QC, a barrister, abused over 100 children and young men across the UK and Africa, with the Church of England covering up his actions for decades.
• The abuse, which included severe physical, sexual, psychological, and spiritual attacks, was first identified in the 1980s but was not reported to authorities until much later.
• Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby acknowledged receiving warnings about Smyth but failed to ensure a thorough investigation after learning of the abuse in 2013.
• The report criticizes the Church's ineffective response and the active cover-up by senior church officials, which allowed Smyth to continue his abuse overseas.
• The Church of England has apologized for the abuse and its concealment, pledging to implement the report's 27 recommendations to prevent future incidents.