Archbishop Justin Welby Resigns Following Damning Report on Church of England Abuse Cover-up
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has announced his resignation effective immediately following a scathing independent report revealing a cover-up of serial abuse within the Church of England. The announcement was made on Tuesday, November 12, amidst mounting pressure from both the public and members of the clergy.
The independent probe, known as the Makin Review, found that Welby, who has been in his position since 2013, had failed to report allegations of abuse against John Smyth, a Church-linked lawyer accused of horrific abuses against as many as 130 boys and young men during the 1970s and 1980s. Smyth led evangelical summer camps during that time, which became sites of brutal and systematic abuse. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Smyth died in 2018 without facing any criminal charges.
Welby acknowledged in his resignation statement the Church's long-standing failures, saying, "I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024. I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church."
His resignation follows a petition that garnered nearly 14,000 signatures demanding his departure, highlighting the growing frustration among victims, survivors, and advocates for justice. Prominent clergy, including bishops, had increasingly urged him to step down in light of the report's findings.
The Makin Review revealed that church officials were aware of the abuse allegations as early as mid-2013 but failed to report them to authorities. It criticized the Church's response to these revelations as inadequate, labeling their handling of a 2017 Channel 4 exposé as "poor in terms of speed, professionalism, intensity, and curiosity."
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer intensified calls for accountability earlier on the day of Welby’s resignation, asserting that Smyth’s victims had been "failed very, very badly." Starmer, a former chief prosecutor, stated it was ultimately the Church's decision regarding Welby’s position but emphasized the gravity of the allegations involved.
As Welby steps down amidst this turmoil, many are left to reflect on the systemic issues within the Church of England and the important work that lies ahead in safeguarding vulnerable populations. This pivotal moment marks a significant call for accountability and change within one of the world's largest religious institutions.
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