Archbishop Welby quits Church of England: Here’s what to know
Image Source: The Telegraph
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has recently stepped down from his role following a major scandal within the Church of England.
His resignation comes after findings in the Makin Review alleged that senior church officials, including Welby, were involved in covering up cases of sexual abuse dating back decades. Here’s all you need to know:
Background of the Scandal
Archbishop Welby’s resignation follows findings from an independent review, known as the Makin Review, which revealed that the Church of England allegedly covered up the abuse committed by John Smyth QC, a British barrister who led Christian youth camps. The abuse spanning five decades, involved up to 130 boys and young men across the UK and Africa.
The Makin Review’s Findings
The report revealed a “conspiracy of silence” regarding Smyth’s abuses, with evidence suggesting that senior church leaders, including Welby, were aware of the allegations but failed to act decisively. Welby was reportedly informed in 2013, but failed to make formal report to the police
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Welby’s Resignation Statement
In his resignation letter, Archbishop Welby expressed a profound sense of remorse for the church’s historical safeguarding failures. He acknowledged his responsibility in the extended period of re-traumatization for victims, attributing his decision to step down as a way to take “personal and institutional responsibility.”
He stated, “The last few days have renewed my long-felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England. For nearly 12 years I have struggled to introduce improvements. It is for others to judge what has been done.
“In the meantime, I will follow through on my commitment to meet victims. I will delegate all my other current responsibilities for safeguarding until the necessary risk assessment process is complete.”
