THE terms of reference of the group overseeing the implementation of the Makin recommendations were published yesterday.
Keith Makin made 27 specific recommendations in his report, published last November (News, 15 November 2024), on the abuse by John Smyth.
Action has already been taken in response to the report, including the initiation of disciplinary measures against some of the people criticised by Mr Makin for their handling of disclosures (News, 28 February).
The new Task and Finish group is being chaired by the Bishop of Tewkesbury, the Rt Revd Robert Springett, who said: “The Makin Report is a hard and challenging read, detailing the impact of Smyth’s predatory abuse. . . Our response must not be just about policy change but about fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, theological literacy, and compassion within the Church.
“While we cannot undo the past, we must ensure the wellbeing of victims and survivors, particularly those affected by John Smyth. Their courage in coming forward has been instrumental in highlighting these issues, and we are dedicated to ensuring their voices are heard,” Bishop Springett, who is a deputy lead bishop for safeguarding, said.
The group includes four survivors of church-related abuse, selected through a recruitment process that prioritised those who had been abused by Smyth. The group’s membership also includes two diocesan safeguarding officers, and three safeguarding professionals who are not employed by the C of E. One of the external members is the independent chair, Stuart Smith, of Carlisle’s Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel.
The Bishop of Ebbsfleet, Dr Rob Munro, is the final member of the group. Dr Munro provides episcopal ministry to conservative Evangelical parishes whose PCCs have passed resolutions on the ministry of women. In a statement after the publication of the Makin report, Dr Munro drew attention to its finding that Smyth was able to “hide in plain sight”, in part because of his “direct association with a number of different evangelical organisations”.
The Task and Finish group had its first meeting on 9 May, and is to meet regularly over the next 14 months, updating the General Synod next February and giving its final advice to the Synod in July 2026, a press release says.
The group’s tasks, as set out in the terms of reference, include identifying which body is best placed to implement each recommendation, and advising the National Safeguarding Steering Group on “whether each relevant recommendation should be corporately accepted by the Church of England, either in part or in full”.
