Response to reports of the death of John Smyth

The Bishop of Bath and Wells, Peter Hancock, the Church of England's lead safeguarding bishop, said: "Reports of the death of John Smyth in South Africa will be very difficult for all those who have bravely come forward to share their experiences of his harrowing treatment, and all those who suffered, knowing that the police investigation will now not be able to be completed. The violent abuse of young men linked with the Iwerne Trust between 1978-82, should never have happened and we utterly condemn this behaviour and abuse of power and trust.

"It is important now that all those organisations linked with this case work together to look at a lessons learnt review, whilst continuing to offer both formal and informal support to those who have come forward as survivors."