23 Nov 2024
The Bishop of St Albans has responded to the most recent safeguarding failures within the Church of England after the resignation of former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
The senior sacred figurehead stepped down from his role last week after it came to light that he did not follow appropriate procedures after recently becoming aware of the sexual abuse of boys at Christian summer camps in the seventies and eighties.
The perpetrator concerned, John Smyth, was a member of Christian charity the Iwerne Trust and is believed to be the most prolific abuser linked to the Church of England.
A recently published report by Keith Makin – The Makin Review – found that the physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual abuse by Smyth of more than 100 children was covered up within the Church of England for decades.
Justin Welby did not deliberately cover up abuse but he acknowledged in his resignation statement that when he was informed of it in 2013 he was told that police had been notified.
He said he “believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow” and that he “must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024.”
The Rt Rev Dr Alan Smith, Bishop of St Albans told the St Albans Times: “The Archbishop’s resignation follows the Makin Review, which has revealed the terrible impact of John Smyth’s abuse and the Church’s failures to respond as it should have.
“We owe enormous respect to the survivors who came forward – their courage has ensured the full truth is known.”
He said that safeguarding remains their top priority and is a responsibility shared by him, all clergy, lay ministers, church officers, and everyone who worships in their churches.
He added: “Here in the Diocese of St Albans, safeguarding training is mandatory for all clergy and church officers, ensuring that everyone has the knowledge needed to protect those in our care.
“Every parish is required to have a Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), who serves as the link between the parish and the Diocese on safeguarding.
“PSOs play a crucial role, keeping an overview of church activities involving children and vulnerable adults, supporting church leaders in safe practices, and ensuring that our training and reporting requirements are met. This helps to keep our safeguarding work active and effective at every level of church life.
“If anyone has been affected, is aware of abuse, or needs support, they are encouraged to get in touch with Parish Safeguarding Officers, the diocesan safeguarding team, Safe
Spaces, or other support services. Together, we are working to make sure the Church is a safe, welcoming place for all.”
Full statements made prior to us contacting the diocesan office can be found here:
https://www.stalbansdiocese.org/news/makin-smyth-resignation-archbishop-canterbury/
