Cathy Newman: Follow the Abuser. John Smyth and the Church of England
Cathy Newman talks about the exhaustive Channel 4 News investigation into John Smyth, the most prolific serial abuser in the Church of England. Her investigation, with her colleagues on the investigation team, started with a letter from a source, and took Channel 4 News journalists to three different countries. It ultimately led to the unprecedented resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
You can read about Cathy’s investigation into John Smyth here: How a cover-up forced the Archbishop of Canterbury from office.
Cathy Newman’s talk is this year’s Gavin MacFadyen Memorial Lecture.
Cathy Newman
Cathy Newman is the first female main presenter of Channel 4 News. She spent over a decade in Fleet Street, latterly with the Financial Times. Since joining Channel 4 News in 2006 she has broadcast a string of scoops, including an eight year investigation unmasking the most prolific abuser in the Church of England, barrister John Smyth.
- 26 June 2025 13.50–14.30
Location: LG02