Statement from Archbishop Jeremy Greaves regarding the findings of the independent Makin review and Archbishop Justin Welby’s resignation
International
“While Archbishop Welby’s resignation is necessary and appropriate, safeguarding is not the responsibility of a single leader — safeguarding children and vulnerable adults is the responsibility of everyone,” says Archbishop Jeremy Greaves
I am shocked and saddened to hear about the extent of the brutal sexual, physical, psychological and spiritual abuse perpetrated by the late John Smyth QC in at least two continents over decades, as outlined in the independent review by Keith Makin into the Church of England’s response to disclosures about John Smyth.
The failure of numerous leaders from the Church of England and other institutions to intervene to stop Smyth’s crimes is also shocking and points to an appalling failure of safeguarding children and vulnerable young adults, as well as the need for substantial cultural change.
The findings and recommendations of Keith Makin’s independent review remind all Churches that effective safeguarding is critical and that cultural change is imperative.
While Archbishop Welby’s resignation is necessary and appropriate, safeguarding is not the responsibility of a single leader — safeguarding children and vulnerable adults is the responsibility of everyone.
The victim-survivors, as always, must be the focus of our concerns. Victim-survivors must always be the priority of the whole Church.
As the Makin review explains, “all practice and processes” must “remain focussed on the child or vulnerable adult who has been harmed.”
I remain committed to continuing the implementation of operational and cultural changes in the Anglican Church Southern Queensland to keep all people safe, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Any “covering up” of abuse will not be tolerated.
The Most Reverend Jeremy Greaves KCSJ
Archbishop of Brisbane
Editor’s note (updated on 15/11/2024): Links to support services and how to make a report
Make a report
If you need to report a crime, contact your local police on 131 444 or call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
In an emergency, call 000.
If you suspect a child or young person is at risk of harm, abuse or neglect, you can contact your relevant state or territory child protection agency.
Report online child abuse material
To report online child sexual abuse, including child sexual abuse material, please contact the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation using the “Report Abuse” button.
You can also report illegal and harmful online content, and online abuse, to the eSafety Commissioner.
Support services
Bravehearts (support for child sexual abuse survivors) on 1800 272 831
Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380
Survivors & Mates Support Network (SAMSN) on 1800 472 676
1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732
Kids Helpline (for children and young people aged between 5–25) on 1800 55 1800
For more information and links to support, visit:
https://www.childsafety.gov.au
You can also make reports and obtain support from the Office of Safe Ministry on 1800 242 544 or e-mail safeministry@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
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