Clergy, including a past Archbishop of Canterbury, faced disciplinary actions for neglecting to report instances of sexual misconduct
The Church of England has initiated disciplinary proceedings against ten members of the clergy, including former Archbishop George Carey, for failing to report sexual abuse by lawyer John Smyth. This development comes following the Makin review, which denounced Smyth's actions and led to the resignation of the latest Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
The National Safeguarding Team (NST) of the Church of England has taken the lead in these proceedings, with the National Director of Safeguarding, Alexander Kubeyinje, handling the process of seeking permission to proceed. Each application will be considered separately, and decisions are expected within the next eight to ten weeks.
Among those facing action are former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey, former Bishop of Durham Paul Butler, and Rev Andrew Cornes. The Church has informed victims and survivors, offering support to them during this process.
The penalties for the clergy facing disciplinary action range from a rebuke to removal from office, limited prohibition, or prohibition for life. It is crucial to note that the Church is undergoing internal debates and changes related to disciplinary standards and clergy conduct, which may impact how such cases are handled going forward.
Smyth has been accused of subjecting over 100 boys and young men to "traumatic physical, sexual, psychological, and spiritual" abuse over 40 years. The NST's process of considering the actions of clergy named in the Makin review has been rigorous, independent, and undertaken with recommendations from an independent panel and reviewed by an independent barrister.
Kubeyinje stresses that the survivors and victims are at the heart of the case, expressing sorrow for the lifelong effects of Smyth's abuse. The Church is committed to taking the findings of the Makin review seriously and responding to its recommendations.
As of mid-2025, the current status regarding judgments or sanctions remains publicly unclear. The dioceses in which the ten clergy reside conducted risk assessments about their safety to minister, coming to different conclusions. The Church is committed to addressing the issue of sexual abuse and is seeking to make its response sustainable.
This complex and possibly protracted process is influenced by evolving policies and church politics, making it a significant development within the Church of England. Updates on the progress or outcomes of these specific cases are eagerly awaited.
The Church of England, amidst internal debates and changes about disciplinary standards and clergy conduct, is actively considering the actions of ten clergy members, including former Archbishop George Carey, in the realm of health-and-wellness, particularly sexual health, due to failing to report instances of sexual abuse. The National Safeguarding Team, led by National Director Alexander Kubeyinje, is rigorously reviewing these cases, taking into account the lifelong effects of such abuse on survivors, and aiming to make the Church's response sustainable for the betterment of health-and-wellness and sexual health in the long run.
