Last week saw the publication of the report by John Makin KC  into the Church of England’s handling of the allegations of serious abuse perpetrated by the late John Smyth in the 1970s and 1980s. Full details can be found here . This was followed today by the announcement of the resignation of Archbishop Justin which can be read here 

The Makin report is detailed and the abuse it describes is extreme and disturbing. It continued over many years. The report is critical of the Church of England’s response as an institution as well as criticising several senior individuals. The response to queries raised about John Smyth was negligible at the time and it took many years for victims’ accounts to be heard.

For all of us it represents a stark reminder of the need to follow our processes with care and urgency and to exercise due curiosity in all cases of concern.  The Diocese in Europe is committed to the very highest standards in safeguarding practice with the interests and the voice of victims and survivors at the forefront of all activities.  In the introduction to the Safeguarding Policy Bishop Robert writes:‘….Safeguarding is a theological priority that is integral to the mission of the church.  It is an area where the church should lead and not just follow.  Safeguarding continues to be a top priority for me – and I expect this to be the case across our Diocese.  We have a duty before our Lord to enable the church to be a safe and secure place for all.’  As the Church of England’s Lead Safeguarding Bishop Joanne Grenfell puts it in response to the report: ‘We wholeheartedly endorse the reviewer’s emphasis that safeguarding must be everyone’s responsibility in the Church, working closely with safeguarding professionals.”

This weekend 15 – 17 November there is a special focus on Safeguarding across the Diocese in Europe.  

On Friday 15 November there will be an online Safeguarding Service of Worship at 1800CET (1700 GMT), on Saturday there is the Safeguarding Conference for Chaplaincy Safeguarding Officers and others and then Safeguarding Sunday will be celebrated in many chaplaincies (Resources can be found online at https://safeguardingsunday.org/ ). All the information about the service and the weekend is here.

Please think about joining our diocesan safeguarding service on Friday. Meanwhile, as always, If you have any concerns or queries get in touch with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team at Europe.safeguarding@churchofengland.org . And a reminder that full details of how to raise a concern or find help for victims and survivors can be found on the diocesan website here .