Oxford: Abuse allegations emerge against former Christian camp leader linked to John Smyth
A former Rector of St Ebbe's in Oxford - who took part in a review which prompted the Archbishop of Canterbury's resignation - is alleged to have been sexually abusive, coercive and controlling towards women and girls
Last updated 7th Feb 2025
Information about former Christian camp leader the Reverend David Fletcher, who is now dead, was brought to the National Safeguarding Team and Diocese of Oxford after the Makin Review was published in November, the Church of England said.
That report centred on John Smyth, thought to have been the most prolific abuser associated with the Church.
Justin Welby announced, following days of pressure last year, that he would quit as leader of the Church in England in order to take institutional responsibility for failures to stop and hold Smyth to account.
Smyth is said to have subjected as many as 130 boys and young men to traumatic attacks across five decades in three different countries in the UK and Africa.
The Makin Review found Smyth might have been brought to justice had Mr Welby formally reported him to police five years before the barrister's death.
Mr Fletcher, a former rector of St Ebbe's in Oxford, took part in the Makin Review, having been a leader at the Christian Iwerne Camps where much of Smyth's abuse took place.
The review noted a record of a postcard containing an explicit warning about Smyth which had been sent to Mr Fletcher in early 1981, which the report described as "one of several likely 'red flags' or warnings" regarding Smyth's behaviour.
When interviewed for the review before his death, Mr Fletcher had said he "could tell by John's behaviour how attracted he was to boys" but stated he could not recall ever receiving the postcard.
The review said: "In an interview with us, David Fletcher said: 'I thought it would do the work of God immense damage if this were public.'"
On Thursday, the Church said: "Following the publication of the Makin Review, the National Safeguarding Team and Diocese of Oxford received information of sexual abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour concerning the Revd David Fletcher (deceased) towards women and girls.
"Revd Fletcher led the Iwerne camps in Dorset (1967-1986), and subsequently was rector of St Ebbe's, Oxford, (1986-1998). He was also known as 'The Honourable'.
"This has been reported to the police and was recorded as a crime."
The Church thanked "those who have bravely come forward" and said anyone else who wished to do so "either for support to disclose, or to share any related information" can contact the safeguarding team.
Anyone affected can contact [email protected] or [email protected].