Zimbabwean victims of the notorious sexual abuser John Smyth have initiated a legal claim against the Church of England, alleging a cover-up that allowed Smyth to continue his abusive practices for decades. This action follows the resignation of Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, who stepped down amid ongoing scrutiny regarding his handling of the case.
The legal claim includes six men, such as Rocky Leanders, who were subjected to abuse as teenagers at Smyth’s Christian holiday camps in Zimbabwe. Also joining the claim is the mother of Guide Nyachuru, a 16-year-old boy whose body was discovered in a swimming pool at one of Smyth’s camps in 1992. They allege that senior clergy and church officials in England failed to act on complaints made in the 1980s, which enabled Smyth to relocate to Zimbabwe, where he continued to exploit vulnerable boys.
Abuse and Institutional Failure
The horrific nature of Smyth’s abuse included forced nudity, physical beatings with paddles, and degrading treatment during camp activities. Reports indicate that Smyth inflicted severe physical harm on boys, leaving them in need of medical attention. The Leigh Day law firm, representing the claimants, has submitted a letter of claim asserting that the Church’s failure to report Smyth’s actions from 1982 to 1984 directly contributed to his subsequent abuse in Zimbabwe.
After Smyth was internally investigated in the UK, church officials chose not to notify the police, allowing him to leave for Zimbabwe and establish the Zambesi Trust UK, which funded his activities and enabled him to run further camps. Leanders recounted being struck numerous times during a camp, emphasizing the lasting impact of his experiences. “The memory of the shame and humiliation I suffered to satisfy John Smyth has never left me,” he stated.
In 1992, Guide Nyachuru was found dead in a swimming pool at the Zambesi Holiday Camp after reportedly swimming naked, which was a common practice at Smyth’s camps. Smyth officiated at Nyachuru’s funeral, later downplaying the incident as an “unfortunate event.” Although Smyth faced charges related to Nyachuru’s death, the prosecution was abandoned due to claims of conflict of interest involving his legal team.
Calls for Accountability
Edith Nyachuru, Guide’s sister, expressed her family’s ongoing anguish, stating, “We want truth, accountability, and change.” The legal action targets St Andrew the Great Church in Cambridge, which employed the late Reverend Mark Ruston, who led the initial investigation into Smyth’s abuses. The claim alleges that Ruston and other church officials knowingly concealed Smyth’s actions, prioritizing the Church’s reputation over the safety of vulnerable individuals.
The Makin report, released in November 2024, highlighted that Welby had not adequately responded to allegations against Smyth. It suggested that if Welby had reported the claims to the police in 2013, Smyth might have faced legal consequences. Following public outrage, Welby resigned, citing sorrow for the victims and survivors of abuse.
The claimants are now seeking an official apology, an independent review into Smyth’s abuses in Africa, and financial compensation. Rebekah Read, the solicitor representing the survivors, emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “The Church of England had multiple opportunities to stop John Smyth and protect vulnerable boys. Instead, it chose to protect its reputation.”
A spokesperson for the Church of England expressed regret for the abuses committed by Smyth and acknowledged failures in the Church’s response. The Church has indicated its willingness to support reviews in both South Africa and Zimbabwe, aiming to address the legacy of Smyth’s actions.
The ongoing legal proceedings serve not only as a pursuit of justice for the claimants but also as a broader call for transparency and accountability within the Church of England, ensuring that such failures are not repeated in the future.
