The findings of the Makin Report make clear the devastating extent of the appalling abuse suffered by children and young men at the hands of John Smyth. These individuals should have felt safe and protected to take part in religious self-expression. Instead, they experienced horrific physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual abuse at the hands of someone in a position of trust and power.

I am outraged that John Smyth never faced accountability for his behaviour before his death in 2018. Individuals first came forward about John Smyth’s actions in the 1980s and I am deeply saddened that their bravery was not given the strong response it deserved. I recognise the Archbishop of Canterbury’s acknowledgement of and apology for his own failure to act with sufficient urgency in his response to learning about the abuse in 2013.

This case is a stark reminder that there is much more work for the Church of England to do to ensure it provides safe, open and transparent spaces for everyone in society.

For the Makin Report to be a watershed moment, the Church must be held to account for its failure to act and failure to keep these children and young men safe. After so much pain and grief, the survivors deserve some justice.