**C Of E Failed To Stop Smyth Abuse, Review Says**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 12, 2024

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C of E Failed to Stop Smyth Abuse, Review Says: A Church's Shameful Past

The Church of England has been condemned for its failure to protect children from sexual abuse at the hands of former choirmaster, Jonathan Smyth, according to a damning independent review. The review, led by Professor Alexis Jay, who previously led the inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, concluded that the Church "failed to properly investigate allegations of abuse" and that its response was "inadequate and often negligent."

A Disturbing Pattern of Abuse

The review, spanning a period of over two decades, uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse perpetrated by Smyth, who served as a choirmaster at St Albans Cathedral and St Paul's Cathedral in London. He was convicted in 2017 of 42 sexual offenses against 15 boys, dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. The review found that the Church, despite receiving multiple complaints about Smyth's behavior, failed to take appropriate action.

Professor Jay's report highlights the following failures:

• Inadequate investigations: The Church often dismissed allegations or failed to conduct thorough investigations.
• Lack of accountability: Senior figures within the Church were slow to respond to concerns and often protected their own reputation rather than taking decisive action against Smyth.
• Culture of silence: A culture of silence within the Church prevented victims from speaking out and hindered the pursuit of justice.

A Legacy of Pain and Neglect

The review's findings have been met with widespread condemnation and calls for accountability. Victims of Smyth's abuse have expressed their anger and disappointment, highlighting the enduring pain and neglect they have faced. The review has also sparked renewed calls for reform within the Church of England, with many demanding a more robust system for safeguarding children and holding perpetrators accountable.

Moving Forward: A Call for Action

The C of E has acknowledged the review's findings and expressed deep regret for the failures that allowed Smyth's abuse to continue for so long. However, the Church's response has been criticized by many as insufficient, with calls for a full and independent public inquiry into the Church's handling of child sex abuse.

The review's findings serve as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting children from abuse and holding institutions accountable for their failures. The C of E has a moral obligation to learn from its past and implement meaningful reforms to ensure that such abuse never happens again.

This is not just a matter of the Church of England's past, but a call to action for all institutions. We must remain vigilant in protecting children and ensure that they are never again subjected to the horrors experienced by victims of Smyth's abuse.