Harare / London – October 2025:
A group of Zimbabwean survivors have launched legal action against the Church of England, alleging that the institution failed to prevent the sexual and physical abuse of boys and young men at Christian holiday camps overseen by British evangelist John Smyth in the 1980s and 1990s.
Allegations of Widespread Abuse
John Smyth, a British barrister and evangelical preacher, is accused of repeatedly abusing boys during church-run Christian camps in the UK in the early 1980s, before relocating to Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Victims in Zimbabwe claim they were forced to strip naked, beaten severely — sometimes with table-tennis or “jokari” bats — and subjected to humiliation and forced nudity during so-called “disciplinary sessions.”
One of the boys, Guide Nyachuru, died in 1992 at a camp near Harare. His family believes his death resulted from the same pattern of brutal beatings, saying it could have been avoided had the Church of England acted on early warnings about Smyth’s behaviour in Britain.
Church Accused of Cover-Up
According to survivor statements and findings from the 2024 Makin Review, senior Church figures in England were informed about Smyth’s abuse as early as 1982. Instead of reporting him to the police, church leaders allegedly allowed him to leave the UK — effectively “exporting the problem” to Africa, where he continued to work with young people under the guise of Christian mentorship.
The Makin Review described Smyth as “a problem solved and exported to Africa,” concluding that Church authorities “actively covered up” reports of abuse.
Legal Action for Justice and Accountability
Seven Zimbabwean claimants — six men who were teenagers at the time and the mother of the late Guide Nyachuru — have instructed the UK law firm Leigh Day to file a negligence claim against the Church of England.
They are seeking:
- a full public apology and acknowledgment of wrongdoing,
- release of all Church records related to Smyth,
- an independent review of Church operations in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and
- financial compensation for the physical, psychological, and spiritual trauma endured.
Lawyers argue that the Church’s inaction in Britain directly led to the suffering of young people in Zimbabwe.
Church of England’s Response
In a statement, a Church of England spokesperson said:
“We are truly sorry for the horrendous abuse suffered by the victims. We have been in contact with representatives of the survivors and have offered to support and contribute financially to any review they may wish to undertake.”
Broader Implications
The case has reignited debate over institutional accountability and the role of the Church during the colonial and post-colonial period. Analysts say the scandal highlights how powerful religious institutions sometimes transferred risks to their overseas missions, leaving African victims with little recourse for justice.
Legal experts believe this action could set a precedent for cross-border abuse claims, forcing global religious organisations to face responsibility for crimes committed under their authority, regardless of where they occurred.
Sources:
IOL – Zimbabwean victims of British evangelist John Smyth sue Church of England for compensation
The Zimbabwe Mail – Zimbabwe abuse victims take legal action against Church of England
Leigh Day LLP Reports on John Smyth Case
WTOP News
Al Jazeera Opinion
