The Bishop of Chelmsford said the findings of the review were aimed at a serial abuser. Church of England It should “shake us to our core”.

The Reverend Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani was reacting to a report that concluded: John Smyth QC’s abuse of more than 100 children and young people It was hidden inside the Church of England.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigned on Tuesday.

Dr Francis Dehqani said the Archbishop took “responsibility for his failures”.

“We must continue to hear the voices of victims better, there is no doubt about that,” he told BBC Essex.

“We must do everything possible, and this is a frightening reminder of how important this mission continues to be.”

The independent review by Keith Makin, a social services executive, found Mr Smyth, a lawyer, had been abusing boys he met at Christian summer camps in the 1970s and 80s.

The review said Mr Welby “could and should have” reported the abuse to police in 2013.

Mr Smyth was a senior member of the Christian charity Iwerne Trust and is believed to be the most prolific serial abuser linked to the Church of England.

Dr. has served as Bishop of Chelmsford since April 2021. Francis-Dehqani said: “It is a very sad day for many reasons.

“First of all, I think we all have in our minds the victims of the events of recent days and the terrible events that lasted for years, and the people whose traumas will be reopened.

“Like others, I read the latest Makin review with shame and deep sadness.”

He added: “We must all take responsibility for creating a safer culture in the church.”

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