The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has resigned following a scathing report that revealed his failure to report sexual abuse allegations against barrister John Smyth. Smyth, accused of abusing up to 130 boys and young men over five decades, was not reported to authorities after Welby became aware of the allegations in 2013. The Makin Review, published last week, suggested Smyth could have faced justice had Welby taken proper action.
Welby acknowledged his failures, stating that he must take “personal and institutional responsibility” for the prolonged period of inaction, which has deeply embarrassed him. In his resignation letter, he expressed sorrow for the victims and survivors of abuse, acknowledging the need for the Church of England to undergo significant reforms to prevent future failures. His decision follows growing pressure from abuse victims and calls for him to step down.
The resignation has sparked mixed reactions, with some survivors of Smyth’s abuse emotionally acknowledging the resignation, though emphasizing that it does not resolve the deeper issues within the Church. Critics, including biographer Andrew Graystone, call for a wholesale cultural shift in the Church to end secrecy and cover-ups.
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