CANTERBURY (UNITED KINGDOM)
Newsweek [New York NY]
February 25, 2025
By Daniel Orton
Former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey is among several clergy facing potential disciplinary action following a damning report on abuse perpetrated by John Smyth, a Christian leader and alleged serial abuser.
The disciplinary proceedings come after the Makin Review revealed extensive failures in safeguarding and holding accountable those aware of the abuse, the Church of England said.
Newsweek reached out to Carey for comment via email to his office in the House of Lords.
Why It Matters
The Church of England has been embroiled in a safeguarding crisis following revelations that senior clergy failed to take sufficient action to prevent abuse. The case of Smyth, who allegedly subjected boys and young men to physical and sexual abuse over decades, has drawn widespread condemnation and led to high-profile resignations, including that of former Archbishop Justin Welby.
Survivors have long called for accountability, arguing that the Church’s response has been inadequate and that senior figures must be held responsible.
What To Know
The Church’s National Safeguarding Team (NST) has named ten individuals who may face disciplinary measures, including Carey and former Bishop of Durham Paul Butler. The NST is seeking permission to bring cases under the Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM) “out of time,” as there is typically a 12-month limit on disciplinary action.
The Makin Review concluded that abuse by Smyth was widely known within the Church and that failures to act allowed his crimes to continue for decades. Carey was named in the review, which found that he had been informed of allegations against Smyth but denied ever seeing a related report.
Smyth, a British barrister and volunteer at Christian summer camps, allegedly abused more than 100 boys over 40 years in the United Kingdom and Africa. He died in 2018 while under investigation by Hampshire Police.
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Carey, who led the Church from 1991 to 2002, resigned as a priest in December 2024 after facing separate allegations of mishandling abuse cases.
What People Are Saying
Church of England National Director of Safeguarding Alexander Kubeyinje, in a statement: “We must not forget that at heart of this case are the survivors and victims who have endured the lifelong effects of the appalling abuse by John Smyth, we are truly sorry…We know this will never undo the harm caused but the Church is committed to taking very seriously its response to the findings of the review as well as responding to its recommendations.”
What Happens Next
If the disciplinary proceedings move forward, potential outcomes could range from formal reprimands to permanent removal from the ministry.
Update 2/25/25, 10:13 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.