Victims of John Smyth Seek Justice and Closure in Zimbabwe

Victims of John Smyth’s abuse and the Nyachuru family in Zimbabwe seek justice and closure years after the release of the Makin Report, which recommended an investigation into Smyth’s actions. Despite the report’s revelations and Russel’s historical awareness of Smyth’s abuses, little has been done to investigate. Survivors like Jason Leanders face ongoing trauma, while the Church of England faces criticism for inaction and potential cover-ups.

Judith Nyachuru, the sister of Guide Nyachuru, a boy who died in 1992 while attending a camp run by John Smyth’s Zambezi Ministries in Zimbabwe, expresses deep sorrow over her brother’s tragic fate. The Nyachuru family has long sought closure regarding Smyth’s abusive actions. Following the Makin Report’s release in November, which implicated Smyth and prompted the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the family felt hope for an investigation, but disappointingly, no progress has been made.

Douglas Coltart, a lawyer who investigated Smyth’s abuses in 1993, reports that he has received no updates on the situation, indicating that the victims and their families are still awaiting justice. The Church of England has not provided any response regarding the recommended investigation, creating concerns about possible cover-up efforts. Some estimates suggest that around 80 victims exist in Zimbabwe.

Rebekah Read from Leigh Day Solicitors criticizes the Church of England for its delayed response to the case, noting that despite awareness of allegations since 1982, meaningful actions only began much later. Survivors of Smyth’s abuse, like Jason Leanders, share that many victims suffer from the psychological scars of their experiences and may now be reluctant to speak out.

Historical protection for Smyth by church leaders and politicians has hindered efforts to address the abuse. A retired priest remarked that the case has been largely ignored, reflecting a culture resistant to confronting these truths. Smyth, previously banned in the UK, relocated to Zimbabwe, where he continued his abusive practices under the auspices of his ministry.

In 1993, Coltart’s report revealed Smyth’s abuses yet had limited circulation, allowing him to evade accountability. Despite this, some church leaders defended Smyth, suggesting a culture of denial persists. Although Smyth’s violent actions ceased after the investigation, he remained active in church settings.

Following Coltart’s report, Smyth faced charges related to the abuse, but he ultimately moved to South Africa, where he spent the remainder of his life until his death in 2018, which has raised speculation about its circumstances. Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Cape Town established a commission to investigate the Church of England’s failures, yet this probe encounters accusations of bias.

The commission’s integrity has been questioned, particularly after allegations emerged against a member who was also a lawyer. Critics assert that the Anglican Church cannot effectively investigate itself, compounding fears of further cover-up. In summary, victims of Smyth’s abuses remain in desperate need of recognition and support, highlighting systemic failures within both church and legal institutions.

The ongoing plight of John Smyth’s victims underscores a critical failure of institutional accountability and the need for justice, as significant delays in investigations continue to perpetuate trauma. The requirement for independent scrutiny is evident, as many victims remain unheard and unhealed. As calls for action persist, the Church of England must navigate its complex legacy and ultimately provide long-overdue restitution and support for survivors. Regrettably, the hesitation and silence displayed by church authorities have intensified fears of a protected culture, wherein the suffering of individuals like Guide Nyachuru and others is overshadowed by institutional concerns.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com