22 November 2024
The independent review, led by Keith Makin, investigating the appalling abuse committed by John Smyth over many years, has now been published. Our first and primary thought is for the victims and the survivors of Smyth’s wicked and cruel abuse. Our prayers are with them and their families.
We are very grateful for the Makin Review, as its findings provide welcome pressure to bring more radical transparency in the way we all in churches and institutions handle cases of abuse and wrongdoing. Truth and justice are at the heart of the Good News of Jesus.
Our CEO, Rev Dr Paul Blackham, has personally been supporting victims and survivors of Smyth's abuse and says, “Over the past five years, I have engaged with victim groups and individuals affected by Smyth’s atrocities to offer support and learn how this terrible tragedy happened. There is much for the Church and us all to learn, at both local and national levels, about how we can ensure that people are safe from harm and abuse in the Church. Too often we have failed to take on the new life and light promised by the Gospel. Too many leaders have been one thing in public and another in private. The Makin Review shows how a culture of silence and control destroys lives and allows evil to grow. That is not the way of Jesus who always brings light not darkness”.
Richard Bewes, who hosted many of the older Book by Book video Bible studies, is mentioned in the Makin Review report alongside other individuals and organisations. When Richard Bewes was chair of African Enterprise UK, a victim had shared concerns with him before John Smyth went on a mission to Malawi in October 1982.
The Board of Biblical Frameworks (BF) is now carefully absorbing the detail of the Makin Review and reflecting on its findings and implications. As a precautionary step we are archiving the older Book by Book videos.
We have updated our safeguarding policy and this can be viewed on the BF website. This sets out our clear commitment to a safe, transparent environment, and promptly addressing any safeguarding problems should they arise. All the trustees of Biblical Frameworks have been trained in safeguarding and we have a clear process of handling safeguarding matters. Any safeguarding concerns should be reported via safeguarding@biblicalframeworks.com.
Biblical Frameworks Board of Trustees
22 November 2024