The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has announced his resignation following an investigation that revealed his failure to promptly report serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps. The inquiry's findings sparked outrage over a perceived lack of accountability within the Church of England.
Pressure had been mounting on Welby since the release of the investigation report, with Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley of Newcastle stating that his position had become untenable. Calls for his resignation grew, with some members of the church's national assembly initiating a petition urging him to step down, citing a loss of confidence among clergy.
In his statement, Welby expressed his belief that stepping aside was in the best interests of the Church of England, a institution he deeply cares for and has served with honor.
The most vocal criticism came from victims of John Smyth, a prominent attorney who abused teenage boys and young men at Christian summer camps in multiple countries over a span of five decades. One victim, Andrew Morse, emphasized that Welby's resignation presented an opportunity to address the broader mishandling of historical abuse cases within the church.
Welby's decision to resign occurs within the context of widespread historical sexual abuse within the Church of England. A recent report by the Independent Inquiry Child Sexual Abuse highlighted issues such as deference to priestly authority, taboos around discussing sexuality, and a culture that often favored alleged perpetrators over victims, creating an environment where abusers could operate with impunity.
