Dear brothers and sisters,
The publication of the Makin Report reveals an account of horrific brutality, inflicted by John Smyth, a man who abused his claim to be an exponent of the Christian faith.
The consequent resignation of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury is an indication of the gravity that we must attach to the crimes that are outlined in that report and the seriousness with which the Church of England takes it safeguarding responsibilities. Those responsibilities represent a sacred trust, and it is certain that God will ask us to account for our attention to this when we meet him on the day of resurrection and judgement.
This report graphically reminds us that abuse has been perpetrated within the name of the Church and it has often been covered up. Survivors of that abuse have taught us many important lessons about confronting, with truth and humility, the institutional shame of knowing that people in positions of trust in the Church have sexually abused young, vulnerable and impressionable people in their care. And let us remember that cover-up and poor response can inflict additional damage.
It is essential that the Church of England nationally and we in the diocese of Chichester, continue to do all we can to ensure that our churches and organisations are safe places, where disclosures of abuse are effectively and appropriately acted upon. These should be places where it can never feel safe to abuse, or to encourage or conceal abuse.
We shall continue to assess the finding of the Makin report. This is a matter of urgency.
Evil deeds were committed by John Smyth who was an evil man. Evil can have a long trajectory. It has to be named and brought to account: that is often a battle and it can be costly. We are seeing the effect of that trajectory now and it must not be permitted to do further harm.
Please pray for the victims of John Smyth and their families, and please hold Justin Welby in your prayers.
Please pray also for the Church: for wisdom, courage and humility to face the challenges of evil. Please pray for all engaged in safeguarding – our parish safeguarding officers, those who ensure the safety of our schools and youth work, our diocesan safeguarding team and all who deliver training for lay and ordained ministers. Thank you for the vigilance you make possible and for helping us to confront evil, protect the vulnerable and bring to account those who seek to do us harm.
Yours in Christ, our Judge and our Redeemer,
+Martin
