Zimbabwean abuse victims seek justice against Church of England

A group of Zimbabwean victims of the late John Smyth, widely described as the most prolific abuser linked to the Church of England, is pursuing legal action against the Church for compensation and accountability. Smyth, whose abuse spanned three countries, is accused of inflicting barbaric beatings on more than a hundred boys and young men, a legacy long covered up by Church authorities.

Among the victims is Guide Nyachuru, who died in 1992 after attending one of Smyth's Christian camps in Zimbabwe. Guide's sister, Edith Nyachuru, along with seven other survivors, has now joined legal proceedings demanding answers and reparations.

An official review by Keith Makin last year accused the Church of England of failing to stop Smyth in the UK during the early 1980s, allowing him to continue his abusive practices abroad. A secret report compiled by Anglican clergyman Mark Ruston in 1982 detailed Smyth's violent behaviour, yet he was allowed to relocate to Zimbabwe in 1984.

Edith Nyachuru believes her brother might have survived had Smyth been stopped in the UK. Another victim, Rocky Leanders, recounted the trauma he endured, saying: "We weren't encouraged to be naked, we were forced to be. It's as simple as that." Smyth reportedly required boys at summer camps to be naked, while he himself was also unclothed.

In 1995, Smyth faced charges of culpable homicide over Guide's death, but the prosecution collapsed. Smyth died in 2018, leaving many victims without closure. Makin recommended an independent review of Smyth's abuse in Zimbabwe, but nearly a year later, this has not been carried out.

Victims accuse the Church of treating Zimbabweans unfairly, suggesting a dismissive attitude toward those from a "third world country." Rocky Leanders said, "The Church - in failing to stop Smyth in the UK - was ultimately responsible for at least one death and countless trauma to young boys and young adults."

The resignation of former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, followed the Makin review, which criticised him personally for not acting to stop Smyth. Law firm Leigh Day is handling the legal claim against St Andrew the Great Church in Cambridge, whose vicar produced the 1982 report.

A spokesperson for the Church of England expressed regret over Smyth's actions, stating: "We are truly sorry for the horrendous abuse carried out by John Smyth and the lifelong effects on survivors, both here and in Africa." The Church noted it has been in contact with its Zimbabwean counterpart and offered financial and practical support for any review the local Church chooses to undertake.

St Andrew the Great Church in Cambridge also issued a statement expressing sorrow over Smyth's abuse, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people and providing support through the Safe Spaces helpline and other Church safeguarding resources.

For the victims, the emotional toll remains significant, and their pursuit of justice underscores the enduring need for accountability in cases of historic abuse linked to institutions of trust.