Overview

• Speaking at the Cambridge Union, Justin Welby said the independent Makin review overlooked emails and letters confirming he fully reported John Smyth’s abuse allegations to UK and South African authorities in 2013
• The Makin report had concluded Welby “could and should” have formally reported Smyth sooner and criticised his follow-up on safeguarding actions
• John Smyth subjected at least 130 boys and young men across the UK, Zimbabwe and South Africa to physical, sexual and psychological abuse over five decades and died in 2018 without facing charges
• Welby resigned as Archbishop of Canterbury in November 2024, admitting he was “insufficiently persistent” in tracking whether allegations were pursued and expressing shame over the wider scale of historical abuse
• Church of England leaders continue to face calls for stronger safeguarding reforms and greater accountability after decades of cover-ups