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World News

Minister linked to Smyth abuse scandal has licence revoked

by Kelly Valencia

A pastor in Cheltenham has had his licence to practise revoked following his mention in the Makin Review, an independent report on abuser John Smyth.

Rev Nick Stott, formerly serving in the Diocese of Gloucester, was cited for witnessing “surprising” behaviour at one of Smyth’s camps in Zimbabwe, where abuse occurred. The report also states he was first on the scene when a 16-year-old boy drowned at a 1992 camp run by Smyth.

The review notes that Stott was advised against joining Smyth’s mission in Zimbabwe but went anyway. By 2001, he was head of the Zambesi Trust UK, which financially supported Smyth while he was in Africa.

Following the Makin report, dioceses and the Church of England’s safeguarding team have reviewed individuals named in it. The Diocese of Gloucester confirmed Stott’s permission to officiate has been removed.

Stott later told the review he regretted not investigating the concerns about Smyth, saying he felt it was not his place but now wished he had acted.

In a statement, the Bishop of Gloucester, Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, and the Bishop of Tewkesbury, Rt Revd Robert Springett, condemned the abuse detailed in the report and apologised to the victims and survivors, expressing shame at the Church’s handling of the allegations.

They said: “The Makin report on John Smyth makes sickening and sobering reading. That this level of abuse could be going on in the Church and other institutions, and knowingly by so many, is abhorrent and disturbs us to our core.

“As Bishops in the Church of England we are profoundly sorry for the hurt, the pain and the suffering which victims and survivors of John Smyth’s abuse have endured, and we are ashamed at the Church’s response to the allegations. We are also appalled that any clergy person could believe that covering up abuse was justified in the name of the Gospel.

“We agree with the Archbishop’s decision to resign, and hope that this goes some way in acknowledging the failures of the Church to act and respond to survivors and victims of this horrific abuse, while recognising that this can never undo the pain and impact on people’s lives.

“Since the publication of the Makin Review, the Diocese of Gloucester’s Safeguarding Team has been conducting a safeguarding review, linked to those named in the report within our diocese. This review is joined up with the work of the National Safeguarding Team.

“As Bishops we will continue to advocate for a process of satisfactory redress for victims and survivors of abuse and remain committed to creating a safer culture across our Diocese, and safeguarding the welfare of every child, young person and adult.

“We continue to pray for all whose lives continue to be impacted by the publication of the report and all that led to it becoming necessary”.

The Times also reports that the Diocese of London has suspended the licenses of three priests—Hugh Palmer, Sue Colman, and Rico Tice—pending investigation.

Rev Tice was reportedly informed of abuse in 1987, Rev Palmer in 1982, and Rev Colman before her ordination. Last week, Colman and her husband, Sir Jamie Colman, heir to the Colman’s mustard fortune, stepped back from their parish roles.

 

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