Safeguarding review to be undertaken at church following abuse allegations

Following allegations of sexual abuse, a church in Oxford have begun a review into its past and present safeguarding measures. The church has commissioned Christian Safeguarding Services to conduct this review. 

Between 1986 to 1988, David Fletcher served as a rector at St Ebbe’s Church.  Allegations regarding David Fletcher arose following a review into the abuser John Smyth who used to abuse young boys. Fletcher was involved in keeping this quiet. 

The Iwerne camps, led by Mr Fletcher between 1967 and 1986 were where Smyth would meet some of the boys he would go on to abuse. 

It has been said that Smyth abused up to 130 young boys and men across five decades in the UK and Africa. Smyth died in 2018.

It has been alleged that Fletcher, who died in January 2022, sexually abused women and girls in the 70s and 80s. This comes after a channel 4 news broadcast where 3 women emerged to say Fletcher had abused them. Since the broadcast, other women have come forward to make complaints about Fletcher. 

Bishop, Rob Munro who holds episcopal oversight of St Ebbe’s has said ‘The Makin review evidences how an abuser can exploit organisations that allow leadership to have unaccountable power and influence; that institutionalise an implied personal elitism or theological superiority, and that are more concerned for organisational reputation than for individuals."

"Where those characteristics are observed, there is an urgent need to address those cultures, even at an episcopal level.”

He has urged for anyone with information or concerns to come forward and has assured that their voices will be heard. He has promised that any cases will be handled with the utmost care, sensitivity and confidentiality.