A statement from the Dean John Witcombe of Coventry Cathedral regarding the Makin Report (12/11/24):
We recognise the immense hurt and harm described in the report on the activities of John Smyth. This has no place in the church of Christ.
We pray for all those whose sufferings have been described in the Makin report. We take responsibility for lifting them before God and committing ourselves to playing our part in making the church a safe place for all to know and experience God’s love.
We also recognise that Archbishop Justin has chosen to take personal and institutional responsibility for the terrible shortcomings outlined in the report. Our prayer is that this humble act of leadership will help those who suffered to know themselves seen and heard, and will open further the space for the actions that need to be taken by the whole church to create a truly safe culture for all.
In Coventry Cathedral, we have welcomed Archbishop Justin’s ministry both with us as Canon for Reconciliation and in subsequent years. He is part of our family. As a member of our family, we also hold him and his own family in our hearts and in our prayers.
May God bring healing to all who have been hurt and lead us to build a culture of justice and peace for all.
