Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby announced his resignation on November 12, following intense criticism over his delayed response to abuse allegations tied to the Church of England. The allegations center on John Smyth, a British lawyer who committed “physical, sexual, psychological, and spiritual attacks” on boys and young men during Church-sponsored youth camps. Welby described his decision as an acknowledgment of the Church’s safeguarding failures, stating, “I step down in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse.”
Devastating Report Details Longstanding Abuse
The resignation follows the release of the 253-page Makin report on November 7, which detailed “brutal and horrific” abuse by Smyth on over 100 victims beginning in the 1970s. Smyth, a prominent figure in the Iwerne camps, leveraged his position to groom boys for abuse, including physical beatings and sexual misconduct. Despite awareness of these actions as early as 1982, Church leaders failed to notify law enforcement.
Pressure Mounts for Accountability
Criticism intensified as the report revealed that Welby and other senior officials were informed of the allegations in 2013 but failed to act decisively. Public outrage culminated in a petition with over 14,000 signatures demanding Welby’s resignation. The Rt. Rev. Helen-Ann Hartley of Newcastle became one of the most senior Church officials to call for his departure.
In his resignation statement, Welby acknowledged that he trusted police had been notified in 2013, a belief he now recognizes as misplaced. He expressed deep regret for the delay in justice, stating, “I must take personal and institutional responsibility.”
Looking Forward
The resignation initiates a search for Welby’s successor, overseen by King Charles III and the Crown Appointments Commission. Reflecting on his tenure, Welby expressed hope for renewed trust in the Church’s mission, saying, “I pray this decision points us back to the love of Jesus Christ for all.”
Source:
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to resign over handling of youth abuse scandal
Image: Pamela Reynoso
About Post Author
