The Church of England should be subjected to the same Freedom Information laws as other public bodies, according to a Labour MP.
Polly Billington made the appeal following the release of the Makin Review, an independent investigation into the abuse committed by John Smyth, now recognised as one of the Church of England’s most prolific abusers.
The Makin Review, published last week, found that the Church had concealed Smyth’s abuse for decades, leading to the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury earlier this week.
Speaking during business questions, the representative for East Thanet said: "The House will be aware of the appalling case of John Smyth who subjected dozens of boys and young men to unimaginable abuse over decades. Now while the Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned over this matter, isn't it time that the Church of England becomes more accountable and transparent?
"Will the Leader of the House raise with colleagues in the Cabinet Office how the Church of England can designate bishops, diocese, cathedrals and national church institutions as public authorities for the purpose of the Freedom of Information Act."
Currently, the Church of England is exempt from the UK’s FOI Act 2000 as it is classified as a “non-public authority” under the Act. Although the Church of England is the established church in England with the monarch as its Supreme Governor, it remains a religious institution rather than a government body or public authority, making it legally independent in terms of governance and administration. The state’s role is largely ceremonial or symbolic, without direct control over the Church’s internal matters.
Smyth died aged 77 in Cape Town in 2018 while under investigation by Hampshire Police.
Commons leader Lucy Powell said: "I'm sure the whole house will want to join me in giving our thoughts to the victims of the late John Smyth and the awful crimes that he perpetuated for so many years.
"She will be aware these are matters for the Church of England who are being publicly and otherwise held accountable for them, and safeguarding is absolutely paramount.
"But my colleagues from the Cabinet Office are here on the front bench with me, and will have heard her very important question."