Resignation Amid Scandal
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, leader of the global Anglican Communion since 2013, announced his resignation following a wave of criticism stemming from the Church of England’s handling of historic abuse cases. The resignation comes after the release of the Makin Review, which spotlighted systemic failures in addressing the crimes committed by John Smyth, a barrister and influential figure within the Church who abused over 100 young men during the 1970s and 1980s. In a statement, Welby acknowledged, “It was very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility.”
Table of Contents
The Makin Review: A Damning Report
The comprehensive 253-page Makin Review, published on November 7, 2024, revealed that the abuse perpetrated by Smyth was known within church circles as early as 1982 and had been effectively concealed for decades. Despite formal safeguarding protocols, the review underscored a culture where policies were inconsistently applied. Archbishop Welby, who once crossed paths with Smyth at Evangelical summer camps, was informed of the abuse in 2013 but erroneously believed that local authorities had been notified. The report criticized Welby for not probing deeper despite clear indications of misconduct.
Victims expressed profound disappointment, noting that many of their attempts to seek justice were delayed for years. One victim lamented that “justice delayed is justice denied,” a sentiment echoed by the report, which described Welby’s leadership as characterized by “incompetence” rather than active concealment.
Repercussions of Inaction
Welby faced intense scrutiny not just for his initial inaction but for a 2017 interview where he mistakenly claimed that Smyth’s abuse had been reported to the police. This false assurance contributed to perceptions of institutional neglect. Although Welby later met with some victims and issued public apologies, these efforts were viewed as too little, too late. Bishop Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, noted that Welby chose to “take his share of responsibility for the failures” identified in the review.
The Church of England, which has been grappling with safeguarding failures, now faces the challenge of addressing these lapses while rebuilding trust. The 2022 U.K. inquiry into child abuse underscored the Church’s historical tendency to prioritize its reputation over the well-being of children. It wasn’t until 2015 that substantial safeguarding resources were allocated under Welby’s leadership, a point that has been both commended and critiqued.
Welby’s Legacy and Future of the Church
While not personally accused of abuse, Archbishop Welby’s tenure is marked by attempts to modernize church practices, foster interfaith collaborations—such as joint efforts with Pope Francis on climate change and South Sudan—and champion reconciliation. However, his resignation illustrates the heavy toll of leadership when faced with moral failures and the imperative for accountability.
“The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures,” Welby said. As he steps down, he leaves a Church at a crossroads, tasked with appointing a successor capable of enforcing deeper cultural shifts to ensure survivor-centric safeguarding.
The Road Ahead
The process to name the next Archbishop will involve extensive consultations across the Church of England and the broader Anglican community. This transition represents an opportunity to solidify reforms and rebuild credibility. For the victims of abuse and advocates for systemic change, Welby’s departure may signify a pivotal moment for reflection and progress.
To read more about developments, visit our UK News section.