Skip to main content
Senior clergy silent over John Smyth scandal to further careers, bishop says
A stained glass window inside Westminster Abbey in London

A “CULTURE of silence and fear” in the Church of England is stopping clergy from calling out senior leaders over the John Smyth abuse scandal, a bishop warned today.

Bishop of Newcastle Dr Helen-Ann Hartley said her fellow bishops may also be staying silent as they are thinking about their own career prospects.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby announced his resignation last week after being criticised in a damning report into the church’s most prolific abuser.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Britain / 17 April 2025
17 April 2025
By Berny Torre in Harrogate
NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede
Britain / 17 April 2025
17 April 2025
By Berny Torre in Harrogate
NEU Conference 2025 / 17 April 2025
17 April 2025
Similar stories
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at Westminster Abb
Britain / 6 January 2025
6 January 2025
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at Westminster Abb
Britain / 13 November 2024
13 November 2024