Bishop of Oxford Affirms Archbishop’s Resignation Following Abuse Report

The Bishop of Oxford stated that the Archbishop of Canterbury’s decision to step down was the “right decision” after a critical report concerning a prolific child abuser linked to the church was released. The Right Reverend Dr Steven Croft described the conclusions of the investigation into John Smyth’s abuse of boys and young men as “extremely upsetting”. Justin Welby is set to relinquish his position following a review that determined he “could and should” have effectively reported Smyth’s abuse to law enforcement in 2013. Dr Croft expressed that the controversy “undercuts the good and wonderful work that is being done in many parishes every day in communities which are perfectly safe”. The independent review, released last week, concluded that Mr Welby, who holds the highest episcopal rank within the Church of England, along with other church officials, ought to have “properly and effectively” reported Smyth to police in the UK and authorities in South Africa in 2013. Smyth faced accusations of assaulting numerous boys, including individuals encountered at Christian camps, across the UK during the 1970s and 1980s. The report indicated that the Church’s failure to act constituted a “missed opportunity” to prosecute Smyth prior to his passing in 2018. Speaking to BBC Radio Oxford, Dr Croft stated, “It is extremely upsetting. I think the focus of our attention needs to be on the people who are hurt – the victims and survivors of John Smyth and the terrible ordeal that they suffered.” He further added, regarding Mr Welby’s resignation, that “It does seem to me [Mr Welby’s resignation] it is the right decision given the full scope of what was released last week.” The investigation, spearheaded by Keith Makin, determined that following 2013, church officials “knew of the abuse and failed to prevent further abuse”. Dr Croft also remarked, “We’ve seen in so many different institutions stories of abuse emerging over the last decade. Each one is upsetting.” He continued, “This one is particularly upsetting because it’s right at the heart of the life of the Church of England. We must never be complacent and just say: this must not happen again. We must make sure it doesn’t.” In May 2023, Dr Croft himself issued an apology for a “costly” error after a man reported being raped as a teenager by a vicar. The Reverend Trevor Devamanikkam was facing rape charges but died by suicide in 2017 before his trial could commence. He was charged with six counts of sexual assault, which were alleged to have occurred between March 1984 and April 1985, during his time as a vicar in Bradford. The victim stated that he informed Dr Croft in 2012, when Dr Croft served as Bishop of Sheffield, as well as other senior figures within the Church of England, but no action was taken. An investigation concluded that Dr Croft failed to act adequately on the disclosures made in 2012.