Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby Steps Down Amid Abuse Failings
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has announced his resignation, bowing to pressure after a damning review of the abuse of boys and young men by John Smyth, a barrister who led church camps.
The independent Makin Review, published last week, concluded that British barrister John Smyth might have been brought to justice during his lifetime had the archbishop reported him to the police in 2013 when his actions were known about by Anglican authorities.
Welby initially issued an apology and considered resigning but eventually made the decision to step down after taking advice from senior colleagues.
In a statement, he said, “Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury.
“The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth.
“It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024.”
Welby, who became archbishop in February 2013, expressed that he believes resigning is in the best interests of the Church of England, which he loves dearly and has served honorably.
King Charles is the supreme governor of the Church of England, while the Archbishop of Canterbury is the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
5 Decades of Abuse
Over five decades between the 1970s until his death, Smyth subjected as many as 130 boys and young men in the UK and Africa to traumatic abuse, causing lasting harm.
Welby acknowledged knowing Smyth from attending Christian camps but claimed he had no idea about the abuse until 2013.
The review accused the Church of England of a cover-up and criticized Welby for not ensuring a proper investigation into Smyth’s abuse after it was reported.
Petition
A petition calling for Welby’s resignation had gathered over 14,000 signatures from members of the General Synod.
In a statement, the Archbishop of York mentioned that Welby’s resignation was the right thing to do.
Welby expressed hopes that his decision demonstrates the Church’s commitment to creating a safer environment and acknowledged his profound sorrow for the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England.
PA Media contributed to this report.
