The Facts

• Archbishop Justin Welby, who knew Smyth from Christian summer camps in the 1970s, was informed of abuse allegations in 2013 but failed to ensure they were thoroughly investigated, representing a missed opportunity to bring Smyth to justice.A damning report revealed the Church of England failed to act against John Smyth, who abused approximately 130 boys and young men through brutal physical, psychological, and sexual attacks spanning five decades across three countries.

• The Makin Review found that Church officials knew about the abuse at the highest level since 1982 and participated in an active cover-up, allowing Smyth to continue abusing victims in Zimbabwe and South Africa until his death in 2018.Archbishop Justin Welby, who knew Smyth from Christian summer camps in the 1970s, was informed of abuse allegations in 2013 but failed to ensure they were thoroughly investigated, representing a missed opportunity to bring Smyth to justice.

• Over 7,000 people have signed a petition calling for Welby's resignation, including three members of the Church's General Synod who accused him of allowing abuse to continue between 2013 and 2018.The Makin Review found that Church officials knew about the abuse at the highest level since 1982 and participated in an active cover-up, allowing Smyth to continue abusing victims in Zimbabwe and South Africa until his death in 2018.