The former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey and the former Bishop of Durham Paul Butler are facing disciplinary action by the Church of England over their handling of allegations against the late Christian barrister John Smyth.
They’re among ten senior clergy who are being considered for disciplinary measures as a result of being heavily criticised in the Makin review into Smyth’s abuse which was published in November.
The Church of England announced in December that the National Safeguarding Team (NST) was conducting a four-step process looking at whether those named present any immediate risk and consider whether there is a case for disciplinary proceedings under the Clergy Discipline Measure.
In a statement just released to mark the conclusion of the process, the Church of England said the NST would now seek to bring disciplinary proceedings against Bishop Paul Butler, Bishop George Carey, Rev Roger Combes, Rev Sue Colman, Rev Andrew Cornes, Rev Tim Hastie-Smith, Rev Hugh Palmer, Rev Paul Perkin, Rev Nick Stott and Rev John Woolmer.
The statement says that all cases exceed the CDM time limit of 12 months so are ‘out of time’, although the National Director of Safeguarding, Alexander Kubeyinye will ask permission from the President of Tribunals to proceed with the cases.
While some other clergy were also criticised in the Makin review, the NST has concluded there is ‘insufficient evidence to meet the threshold for instituting disciplinary proceedings at this time.’
Two other priests whose actions were criticised in the review are still under review.
Alexander Kubeyinje, the Church of England’s National Director of Safeguarding, said: “We must not forget that at heart of this case are the survivors and victims who have endured the lifelong effects of the appalling abuse by John Smyth, we are truly sorry. Today we have announced next steps in the process looking at both risk and disciplinary processes. We know this will never undo the harm caused but the Church is committed to taking very seriously its response to the findings of the review as well as responding to its recommendations.”
The Church of England has urged that anyone affected by the publication of this report and who wants to talk to someone independently, please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or visit safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk.
Alternatively, it advises contacting the diocesan safeguarding team in your area or the National Safeguarding Team at [email protected].
There are also other support services available.