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What details have emerged from the Church of England abuse scandal?
An independent review has revealed extensive abuse by John Smyth QC, who was linked to the Church of England. The report highlights that church officials, including Archbishop Justin Welby, failed to act on allegations dating back to the 1980s, allowing Smyth to continue his abusive behavior until his death in 2018.
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How has the Church responded to the allegations?
The Church of England has faced criticism for its handling of the allegations against Smyth. While some church leaders have acknowledged the failures, others have been more reserved. Archbishop Welby has not directly addressed calls for his resignation, but the church's culture of cover-up has been widely criticized.
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What are the implications for church leadership, particularly Archbishop Welby?
The implications for church leadership are significant, with increasing calls for Archbishop Justin Welby to resign. Helen-Ann Hartley, the bishop of Newcastle, has stated that Welby's position is 'untenable.' The scandal raises questions about accountability and the church's ability to protect its members.
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What actions are being called for by the public and victims?
There is a growing demand from the public and victims for accountability within the Church of England. Many are calling for a thorough investigation into the church's handling of abuse allegations and for church leaders, including Welby, to resign in light of the findings of the independent review.
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Who was John Smyth and what did he do?
John Smyth was a prominent barrister who abused boys at Christian camps from the 1970s to the 1980s. Despite early reports of his actions, he was never brought to justice. The recent independent review has highlighted the church's failures in addressing these allegations and safeguarding its members.
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What does the independent review say about the Church's culture?
The independent review, conducted by Keith Makin, underscores a culture of cover-up within the Church of England. It states that the responses by the church were 'wholly ineffective' and amounted to a cover-up, indicating a systemic failure to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse.