Son of Church’s ‘Most Prolific Abuser’ Reveals Harrowing Truth: ‘My Father Was a Monster’

In a heart-wrenching interview aired on Channel 4, PJ Smyth, the son of the late John Smyth—once dubbed the Church of England’s “most prolific abuser”—has spoken out about the torment he endured at the hands of his father. His testimony casts a chilling spotlight on the devastating legacy of one of the darkest chapters in the Church’s history.

John Smyth, a barrister and prominent Church figure, is accused of abusing as many as 130 boys and young men through private schools and Christian summer camps. The revelations in the Makin Review have not only exposed systemic failures within the Church but have also contributed to the recent resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

For PJ Smyth, now a US-based pastor, the abuse was deeply personal. “He was a master manipulator,” PJ shared, describing a childhood overshadowed by brutal physical punishments and psychological control.

A Childhood in Chains

PJ’s “wrongdoings” as a child were meticulously logged in what he called a “black book,” with each infraction earning him a trip to the family garden shed—John Smyth’s personal chamber of punishment.

“He had a selection of canes… he didn’t hold back,” PJ revealed, his voice heavy with emotion. The most severe beating he endured involved 36 lashes—six strokes for every poor school report.

Afterward, PJ’s mother, Josephine, would treat his wounds with creams and bandages. PJ described her as “the closest victim to him for all her life,” trapped in a cycle of manipulation and fear.

The abuse stopped when PJ was 11, thanks to whistleblowers who reported John Smyth’s behavior. However, the family’s abrupt move to Zimbabwe under the guise of missionary work added another layer of betrayal.

“That was his big lie,” PJ said. “And I swallowed it hook, line, and sinker.”

A Legacy of Silence and Failure

The Makin Review has drawn sharp criticism for the Church of England’s failure to act on allegations against Smyth, particularly a 2013 report that went unheeded. PJ expressed anger and disappointment at the inaction, saying, “Countless lives could have been saved.”

The report also spotlighted the role of key leaders, including Archbishop Welby, who once worked alongside John Smyth. PJ said he “respects” Welby’s decision to resign but is troubled by the years of silence that preceded it.

A Father’s Toxic Grip

Even as an adult, PJ found it difficult to escape his father’s influence. Recalling a shocking incident during his battle with cancer, he described how John Smyth framed his illness as divine punishment for “dishonoring” him.

“At the time, I lacked the strength to stand up to him,” PJ admitted, a regret that lingers to this day.

Years later, as accusations against John Smyth became public, PJ initially downplayed the abuse as “excessive physical discipline.” Now, he admits he was wrong.

“I shudder at those words,” he said. “I should have called it what it was—crime and torture.”

Living with the Aftermath

Today, PJ is grappling with the trauma of his father’s actions and his own perceived complicity. He expressed regret for not protecting others, including his wife and sisters, from John Smyth’s control.

“I excused what he did, feared him, and wanted to stay in his good books,” PJ said. “I couldn’t admit that my father was a monster.”

As he continues to process his experiences, PJ is determined to honor the survivors of his father’s abuse by speaking openly and advocating for accountability within the Church.

“The shed broke me to his will,” PJ concluded. “But I refuse to let his shadow define me anymore.”

The Road Ahead

PJ’s revelations mark a turning point in the ongoing reckoning with John Smyth’s legacy and the systemic failures that enabled his abuse. They also serve as a sobering reminder of the cost of silence and complicity.

The Church of England now faces mounting pressure to not only acknowledge its failures but also ensure such horrors are never repeated. For PJ, the journey toward healing and justice is far from over, but his voice offers hope and clarity in the fight against abuse and its enablers.