Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby Resigns Over Abuse Scandal.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, announced his resignation following the release of a report that revealed his failure to act on reports of severe abuse by John Smyth, a lay preacher and barrister. Smyth’s abusive actions spanned decades, affecting more than 100 boys and young men. Welby, who had served as the Archbishop since 2013, took responsibility for not acting sooner when presented with the allegations in 2013, a decision that ultimately led to his stepping down.

In his statement, Welby expressed sorrow and acknowledged the profound shame brought about by the Church’s mishandling of the situation. He made it clear that his resignation was made in the Church’s best interest, underscoring the need for a culture of change and a commitment to ensuring the safety of those within the Church. He hoped his resignation would serve as a signal of the Church’s resolve to address these long-standing failures.

Smyth’s abuse, which took place during the 1970s and 1980s, included violent beatings, often with a garden cane, in private settings like his home. The abuse extended beyond the United Kingdom, with Smyth also perpetrating these crimes in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Despite these grave allegations and the subsequent report, which criticized Welby for his lack of action, the Archbishop’s resignation marks a pivotal moment in the Church’s ongoing efforts to confront and resolve issues of abuse and misconduct within its ranks.

The inquiry into Smyth’s actions, led by Keith Makin, emphasized the “missed opportunity” to involve law enforcement when the Church was made aware of the abuse. This report, combined with mounting public and internal pressure, led to Welby’s decision to step down, acknowledging the institution’s failure to protect its members.

Dr. Joanne Grenfell, the Church’s safeguarding bishop, supported Welby’s resignation, stating that it highlighted the necessity of making cultural and leadership changes to restore trust. The report’s findings and Welby’s decision have spurred ongoing discussions on how the Church can reform its leadership and prevent further abuse.

The call for Welby’s resignation had gained momentum after the public revelation of the scale of Smyth’s abuse. Criticism of Welby intensified following his inaction, with numerous calls from within the Church’s leadership, including members of the General Synod, demanding his departure. Despite his personal sorrow, Welby acknowledged that the Church must now move forward with the changes necessary to prevent further harm and restore its reputation.

Source: BBC News