In a recent statement, the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA) has expressed deep remorse for not adequately protecting children and vulnerable individuals from John Smyth, a recognized child abuser who was known to have committed abuses in both the UK and Zimbabwe before relocating to South Africa in 2001. Smyth, who died in Cape Town in 2018, was found to have abused over 100 boys and young men during his time. An independent review revealed that church leaders, including former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, failed to report Smyth’s behaviors to the relevant authorities when they became aware of them in 2013, leading to an environment where the potential for further abuse existed.
Anglican Church of Southern Africa Issues Apology for Failing to Protect Against Child Abuser
Anglican Church of Southern Africa Issues Apology for Failing to Protect Against Child Abuser
The Anglican Church acknowledges its shortcomings in safeguarding children from a notorious abuser who operated in its communities.
While the latest report indicates there were no documented cases of Smyth's abuse occurring in South Africa, it underscores that the church did not take adequate protective measures to prevent vulnerable youth from being exposed to him. Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has acknowledged this failure and is set to propose urgent reforms to ensure better protection for church members in the future.
