Zimbabwean survivors of the notorious sexual abuser John Smyth have initiated legal action against the Church of England, alleging a cover-up that allowed Smyth to continue his abuse for decades. The claimants, which include six men abused as teenagers at Smyth’s holiday camps in Zimbabwe and the mother of Guide Nyachuru, whose body was discovered in a pool in 1992, accuse church officials of failing to report Smyth’s actions, thus enabling his continued exploitation of vulnerable boys.
The legal claim follows the resignation of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury in 2024, prompted by his inadequate response to allegations surrounding Smyth. Reports indicate that Smyth abused more than 100 boys and young men across the UK and Africa. Disturbing details of his acts include forced nudity, physical beatings, and inappropriate sexual conduct, which left many victims traumatized.
Allegations of a Cover-Up
According to Leigh Day, the law firm representing the claimants, the Church’s failure to act during the 1980s directly contributed to Smyth’s relocation to Zimbabwe, where he perpetrated further abuse. The firm has submitted a letter of claim, asserting that senior clergy in England orchestrated a cover-up that allowed Smyth to evade justice and continue his predatory behavior.
The claimants detail harrowing experiences, with Rocky Leanders recalling being hit 35 times by Smyth at a camp in Zimbabwe, where he was also coerced into swimming and showering naked. “The memory of the shame and humiliation I suffered to satisfy John Smyth has never left me,” Leanders stated. He expressed frustration over the Church’s failure to provide redress, emphasizing the need for awareness and support for other survivors.
Smyth’s actions culminated in the tragic death of Guide Nyachuru, whose body was found after reportedly swimming naked at the Zambesi Holiday Camp. Smyth officiated at his funeral and later described the incident as an “unfortunate occurrence.” Although he faced charges related to Nyachuru’s death and other abuses, the prosecution was dropped, allowing him to evade accountability.
Church’s Response and Ongoing Investigations
The legal action follows the release of the Makin report, which criticized the Church’s handling of Smyth’s case and indicated that Welby failed to act on allegations presented to him in 2013. The report suggested that had the Church taken appropriate actions, Smyth may have faced justice earlier. Notably, it concluded that church officials were aware of Smyth’s abuses and could have reported him to the authorities.
In response to the ongoing legal claims, a spokesperson for the Church of England expressed deep regret over the abuse committed by Smyth, acknowledging the Church’s failures in addressing these serious allegations. They indicated that the Church has accepted most recommendations from the Makin report and is committed to supporting further reviews of Smyth’s conduct in Zimbabwe.
Legal representatives for the claimants assert that the Church’s actions were motivated by a desire to protect its reputation, particularly within its conservative evangelical community. They are seeking an apology, an independent review of Smyth’s abuses in Africa, and compensation for the survivors.
As the Church navigates this complex situation, the current leadership transition is viewed as a potential opportunity for renewed commitment to transparency and accountability. The claimants hope that their pursuit of justice will prevent such failures from occurring in the future.
The ongoing discussions surrounding Smyth’s case continue to highlight a critical need for reform within the Church of England, ensuring that the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals are prioritized over institutional reputation.
