10/02/2025
General Synod debated the Makin Review, on the first day of its February 2025 session. The Review published in November 2024, looked at the Church of England’s handling of allegations of serious abuse by the late John Smyth.
Introducing the motion, the Church of England’s lead safeguarding bishop, Joanne Grenfell, asked Synod to remember those whose lives have been ruined by the effects of the awful abuse of John Smyth, as well as all victims and survivors living with a legacy of abuse.
Four survivors of Smyth contributed to the debate with their own personal experiences and thoughts, shared via deputy lead safeguarding bishop Julie Conalty.
Members overwhelmingly approved the following motion, which included an amendment, after a full debate.
‘That this Synod, repenting of the failures of safeguarding in the Church of England detailed in the Makin report;
(a) ask those in leadership roles across the Church of England to redouble work to implement best safeguarding practice in line with national policies and guidance, and note the further and forthcoming reforms set out in GS 2376; and at the specific request of victims and survivors of John Smyth QC, recognise that the institutional failure to enact adequate disciplinary process means that this and other cases cannot simply be labelled ‘historic’ as they have continuing effects on the lives of those victims and survivors who suffer the consequences of the prolonged cover-up by the Church of England.”.’