Together with the Diocese of Winchester we acknowledge with deep sadness the horrific abuse perpetrated by John Smyth and the significant pain caused to so many.
We welcome the publication of Keith Makin’s independent review and the thorough work that has gone into it, fully endorsing the apology offered by the Church of England’s leaders and committing ourselves to understanding and learning from the lessons for strengthening safeguarding practices across all levels of our Church.
As a local parish, we remain deeply committed to ensuring that safeguarding is a central priority to every aspect of church life. We strive to ensure that all work with children, young adults and vulnerable people is undertaken with sensitivity and care.
Bishop Philip has always made it clear that all failures in safeguarding should be treated with the utmost seriousness, whether locally or nationally, and that the response to those failures should be proportionate and appropriate.
Following the publication of the review, Bishop Philip has made the decision for the Diocese to conduct its own safeguarding review according to Church of England guidelines. For a number of years, Revd Sue Colman has served as a part-time voluntary associate minister in our parish. As Sue and her husband Jamie were named in the Makin report, they have agreed to step back from their current ministries within the parish whilst this review is undertaken.
We cannot imagine the pain and distress John Smyth’s actions have caused for so many. Our hearts are broken at the thought of the lives that have been damaged. Our prayers are with those who have suffered and for all those caught up in the wake of this terrible situation.
If you or anyone you are in contact with are affected by the publication of this report and want to talk to someone independently, please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or visit safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk. You can also contact the Winchester Diocese Safeguarding Team by emailing safeguarding@winchester.anglican.org and find further sources of support on the Church of England website here.