A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Stephen

Wednesday 26th February 2025

Bishop Stephen has written to the people of the Diocese of Lincoln, following the conclusion of the Makin Review four-step process.

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
 
In November last year, the Makin Review brought to light the dreadful abuse perpetrated by John Smyth and the past failures of the Church of England in safeguarding practice. 
 
I continue profoundly to regret the failings of the Church and the Police to deal with Smyth and thwart his evil intent and abuse. Survivors of Smyth’s perverted violence have suffered the multiple traumas of the original abuse, the cover up and the silence. I am deeply sorry that Smyth was able to exercise such terrible power over boys and young men both here and in Africa. I can only begin to imagine what survivors continue to suffer.
 
During the last four months, there has been a forensic review of all those individuals, myself included, named by Mr Makin. There were four stages involving independent safeguarding experts and an independent lawyer who determined the outcome. The panel considered safeguarding policies and guidance in force at the time, the facts of the particular case, relevant legal considerations and whether there is sufficient evidence to justify disciplinary action. The findings of the panel were published on the Church of England website at noon yesterday.
 
I am writing to you now to let you know that no disciplinary action will be taken against me by the National Safeguarding Team at this time with regard to my actions and involvement in 2013. 
 
I have welcomed this process, as well as the ongoing review of safeguarding failures, both in the Church of England and abroad, relating to Smyth. I note the recent publication of the Archbishop of Cape Town’s own review which demonstrates that I made every effort to inform the relevant members of his senior staff and recognises that there were failings local to South Africa. I am thankful for all the support I have received from across the Diocese and beyond. I am grateful to those in the media who have sought to present a careful and independent examination of the facts.
 
Alongside this process, our own Diocese and Cathedral have undergone a full and independent audit of our safeguarding culture and practice by the organisation called INEQE. I am looking forward to the publication of their report in the coming weeks. 
I may say that the audit is significantly favourable and recognises where there are lessons to learn and recommendations to be implemented. There is more learning and reflection for me to do out of all this and I shall embrace that gladly, humbly and as openly as I can.
 
I affirm my commitment to you now, as your Diocesan Bishop, to ensuring that robust safeguarding is always at the heart of our common life in Christ. In listening to the voices and experiences of victims and survivors, I want our parishes, chaplaincies and schools to be safe spaces for all God’s children. 
 
I particularly want to thank our Diocesan Safeguarding Team, Parish Safeguarding Officers, ministers, church officers and volunteers who work so tirelessly to make our churches and communities as safe as possible.
 
Yours ever in Christ,

+Stephen

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