Church of England abuse survivors may not receive compensation

Anyone who thought Justin Welby’s resignation marked the end of the John Smyth abuse saga for the Church of England needs to think again.

Last week’s release of the Makin report on Smyth’s abuse of more than 10 children and young men at Christian summer camps has raised questions about compensation for Smyth’s victims under a £150 million redress scheme.

Reverend Dr Ian Paul of the Archbishops’ Council told Channel 4 it was “impossible to say” if the victims qualify for the Church of England scheme, saying that Smyth’s abuse didn’t happen in the CofE.

House of Survivors, a group for those abused within the CofE, said his remarks were a “trainwreck” causing “more harm” to victims.

The Church of England said Channel 4 “incorrectly reported” that victims won’t receive compensation – but also said decisions rest with the scheme’s independent body.

That is, there are no guarantees that more than 100 victims in England and Africa will receive payments.