After years of leading the Church of England, Archbishop Justin Welby announced his resignation following criticism over the Church’s handling of sexual abuse cases. An independent review revealed Welby’s failure to respond adequately to reports of abuse involving John Smyth, a former church figure accused of misconduct dating back to the 1970s. While Welby had initially believed law enforcement would address the issue, this decision has since faced scrutiny, leading him to apologize for his oversight.
The review found that Smyth’s actions, particularly at Christian youth camps, left lasting trauma for victims. Though Welby became aware of Smyth’s past behavior in 2013, church officials refrained from further investigation. Welby’s acknowledgment of his failure to act has amplified public criticism, especially among survivors and advocates who sought transparency and accountability within the church. His resignation marks a significant shift for the Church, underlining its efforts to prioritize safety and transparency moving forward.
In response to the calls for new leadership, other church officials have emphasized the need to address systemic flaws in safeguarding practices. Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley and others welcomed Welby’s decision, describing it as a necessary step for the institution to regain trust and to rebuild its commitment to protecting vulnerable members. Welby’s resignation concludes over a decade of service, during which he pushed for reforms aimed at restoring faith in church leadership.
