A Church of England minister in Basingstoke and her husband, an heir to the Colman’s mustard fortune, have been asked to step back from their roles following a report linking them to knowledge of abuse carried out by John Smyth.

Rev Sue Colman, associate minister at St Leonard’s Church in Oakley, and her husband, Sir Jamie Colman, were named in the Makin Review, which investigated widespread abuse by Smyth, a prominent figure in evangelical circles.

The review found that Rev Colman was aware of child abuse by evangelical Christian John Smyth.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has also announced he would be stepping down less than a week after the independent review concluded that the most prolific serial abuser to be associated with the Church of England might have been brought to justice had the Archbishop formally reported him to police more than a decade ago.

A screenshot of Rev Sue Colman giving Remembrance Sunday speech in 2020A screenshot of Rev Sue Colman giving Remembrance Sunday speech in 2020 (Image: Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council)

READ MORE: John Smyth victim says Justin Welby resignation paves way for questioning others

The Diocese of Winchester has now confirmed that Rev Colman had been asked to “step back from all ministerial duties” while the findings are reviewed and appropriate safeguarding measures are taken in collaboration with the national safeguarding team.

A statement from the Diocese of Winchester said all failures in safeguarding “should be treated with the utmost seriousness”.

It said: “The Diocese of Winchester is appalled by the findings of the Makin Review and the sheer extent of the horrific abuse perpetrated by John Smyth. It is a matter of deep regret and sorrow that John Smyth was able to have any association with our diocese while perpetrating such abhorrent abuse.

“The Diocese of Winchester has asked Rev Colman to step back from all ministerial duties while we reflect on the review’s findings and work with the national safeguarding team to take steps to manage any associated risk.

SEE ALSO: What Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby knew of John Smyth’s abuse and when

“Mr Colman has no official ministerial position in our diocese but has also been asked to step back from volunteering.

“Bishop Philip has made it clear that all failures in safeguarding should be treated with the utmost seriousness, whether locally or nationally, and that the response to those failures should be proportionate and appropriate.

“Our prayers continue to be with all those affected by this grievous matter.”