**John Smyth Abuse: C Of E Cover-Up Found**

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Post on Nov 12, 2024

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John Smyth Abuse: Church of England Cover-Up Found

The Church of England is facing renewed scrutiny after an independent inquiry revealed a systematic cover-up of abuse by John Smyth, a former member of the Iwerne Trust, a Christian organization. Smyth, who died in 2008, subjected young men to brutal physical and psychological abuse in the 1970s and 1980s. The inquiry, led by lawyer Andrew Norfolk, found that senior Church of England figures were aware of the abuse but took no action to stop it.

The inquiry, commissioned by the Church of England in 2019, investigated the handling of allegations of abuse against Smyth. The findings, published in a 1000-page report, are damning. They expose a culture of secrecy and denial within the Church, where the reputation of the Iwerne Trust was prioritized over the safety of vulnerable young people.

Key Findings of the Inquiry:

• Multiple warnings about Smyth's abuse were ignored by senior Church of England figures. This includes figures with significant influence within the Church.
• Smyth was allowed to continue his work with young men, despite repeated allegations of abuse. This raises serious questions about the Church's commitment to protecting children.
• The Iwerne Trust actively sought to cover up the abuse. This included intimidation and silencing of victims and whistleblowers.

The report details numerous instances where victims were abused and the Church's response was inadequate. In one case, a victim was told by a Church leader that he should "get on with his life" and that the abuse was "a long time ago." The report also details how the Church attempted to silence victims by offering them financial settlements in exchange for their silence.

The Impact of the Cover-Up:

The findings of the inquiry have sent shockwaves through the Church of England. Many victims have spoken out about the lasting trauma they have suffered as a result of the abuse and the subsequent cover-up. The report has also raised concerns about the Church's ability to protect vulnerable individuals and the need for systemic reform.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has apologized for the Church's failure to protect victims. He has pledged to implement the recommendations of the inquiry, which includes establishing an independent safeguarding body and strengthening the Church's child protection procedures.

The Future of the Church:

The John Smyth abuse scandal is a major blow to the Church of England's reputation. The findings of the inquiry have exposed a dark side of the institution, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and systemic change.

The Church now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with its members and the public. It must demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The future of the Church will depend on its ability to learn from the past and create a safer environment for all.

This is a developing story and we will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.