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. She will be speaking to the New York Times Investigative reporter Jane Bradley.
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.
Jane Bradley
Jane Bradley is the UK investigative correspondent for The New York Times. She is a Pulitzer and three-time Orwell Prize finalist and is based in London, where she focuses on abuses of power, national security and crime, money and influence, and social injustices.
- 26 June 2025 13.50–14.30
Location: LG02