A Statement from our Archbishop

Statement from Archbishop Jeremy Greaves regarding the findings of the independent Makin review and Archbishop Justin Welby’s resignation

 I am shocked and saddened to hear about the extent of the brutal sexual, physical, psychological and spiritual abuse perpetrated by the late John Smyth QC in at least two continents over decades, as outlined in the independent review by Keith Makin into the Church of England's response to disclosures about John Smyth.

 The failure of numerous leaders from the Church of England and other institutions to intervene to stop Smyth’s crimes is also shocking and points to an appalling failure of safeguarding children and vulnerable young adults, as well as the need for substantial cultural change.

 The findings and recommendations of Keith Makin’s independent review remind all Churches that effective safeguarding is critical and that cultural change is imperative.

 While Archbishop Welby’s resignation is necessary and appropriate, safeguarding is not the responsibility of a single leader — safeguarding children and vulnerable adults is the responsibility of everyone.

 The victim-survivors, as always, must be the focus of our concerns. Victim-survivors must always be the priority of the whole Church. 

 As the Makin review explains, “all practice and processes” must “remain focussed on the child or vulnerable adult who has been harmed.”

 I remain committed to continuing the implementation of operational and cultural changes in the Anglican Church Southern Queensland to keep all people safe, especially those who are most vulnerable.

 Any “covering up” of abuse will not be tolerated.

The Most Reverend Jeremy Greaves KCSJ

Archbishop of Brisbane