A Bishop’s Disciplinary Tribunal for the Diocese of London has upheld a complaint brought by the Director of the National Safeguarding Team against the Reverend Canon Andrew Cornes under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003.

The complaint related to criticism of his actions contained in the Makin review, which looked at the Church’s handling of allegations against the late John Smyth. 

The Tribunal was satisfied that in 1982 Mr Cornes received a disclosure of abuse from a victim and survivor of John Smyth. The Tribunal found that Mr Cornes was under a duty, as part of his office as a priest in the Church of England, to take action to protect the young and vulnerable from harm by reporting the information he received, and that by failing to do so he was neglectful in the performance of his duties.

The judgment has been published in full on the Church of England website. The Tribunal has today imposed a conditional discharge for 12 months on Mr Cornes. A further written decision with reasons will be published in due course.

The NST brought complaints under the Clergy Discipline Measure against 10 members of clergy who were criticised in the Makin Review. The allegation against Mr Cornes was one of four complaints that have been referred to a tribunal or court for determination.

Response from the Church of England’s Lead Safeguarding Bishop, Robert Springett, and National Safeguarding Director Alexander Kubeyinje:

“We acknowledge the Tribunal’s decision and welcome the outcome while recognising that this judgment cannot undo the harm, pain, and lasting impact experienced by victims and survivors. 

“The National Safeguarding Team pursued this matter because we believed it was right to do so based on the information available to us and in line with the relevant policies and procedures for bringing complaints of misconduct. 

“This was an important part of responding well and listening to the voices of victims and survivors who had suffered horrendous abuse at the hands of Smyth. We remain committed to advocating for victims and survivors and to seeking accountability where safeguarding concerns are identified.”