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Independent Review Reveals Cover-up of Church of England's Most Prolific Child Abuser

A review concludes that the Church of England covered up decades of abuse by John Smyth, affecting over 130 victims, failing in its duty to report.

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Updated: Nov 7th, 2024, 7:45 PM ET

Summary

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An independent review has uncovered a systematic cover-up by the Church of England regarding John Smyth, who abused over 130 boys in the UK and Africa. Despite earlier reports of his actions, church officials failed to report him to authorities, with Archbishop Justin Welby acknowledging personal failure to investigate allegations properly when raised in 2013. The report reveals horrific details of physical, mental, and sexual abuse inflicted by Smyth, highlighting the church's negligence and the lifelong impact on victims, many of whom suffered in silence for decades due to the church's inaction.

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