The Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team (NST) has initiated a review into the handling of abuse allegations tied to the late barrister John Smyth, leading a senior bishop to temporarily step aside from her ministry.
Rt Rev Dr. Jo Bailey Wells, currently serving as Bishop for Episcopal Ministry in the Anglican Communion, has paused her duties following a request from the Diocese of London. The decision follows findings in the Makin Review, which criticized her role in addressing concerns raised about Smyth during her tenure as chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury in 2013.
The Makin Review detailed Smyth’s abuse of approximately 130 boys and young men during the 1970s and 1980s at Christian camps he organized. Smyth passed away in Cape Town in 2018, evading justice. The report highlighted failures by several senior church leaders in addressing the allegations when they first emerged.
Dr. Bailey Wells stated that, at the time, she believed the concerns were being handled appropriately by others and that safeguarding was not within her remit. Reflecting on her actions, she said, “I regret that I did not do more to verify the assurances given or query assumptions.”
This marks a significant moment as Dr. Bailey Wells is the first serving bishop to step aside following the publication of the review. Calls for greater accountability have grown, with survivors and other clergy urging bishops implicated in the findings to take responsibility for their actions.
Bishop of Newcastle Rt Rev Helen-Ann Hartley has echoed these sentiments, advocating for bishops under scrutiny to temporarily withdraw from official duties while investigations continue.
The NST’s findings are expected to be presented during the Church’s General Synod meeting in February, with heightened anticipation for reforms to safeguard vulnerable individuals and restore trust within the Anglican community.
This development follows the resignation of Most Rev Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, last month after the review highlighted the Church’s inadequate response to Smyth’s abuse allegations during his tenure.
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As the Church faces increasing pressure to address past failures, this case underscores the critical need for robust safeguarding measures and accountability within religious institutions.
