The head of the Church of England, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, resigned Tuesday following criticism over his handling of a sex abuse case involving John Smyth, a church volunteer.
An investigation revealed that Welby failed to report Smyth’s abuse to the police when he first learned of it in 2013. This abuse occurred at Christian summer camps in England and Africa, affecting many young men.
The resignation comes after a report by the Church of England released last Thursday criticized Welby for not informing the authorities immediately, which could have prevented further harm.
“It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024,” Welby stated. “I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honored to serve.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury holds a significant position, symbolically leading the worldwide Anglican Communion, which has about 85 million members. While each Anglican church operates independently, Welby has long represented unity within the diverse global body.
John Smyth, the abuser, was found to have physically and sexually abused over 100 young people, with the abuse continuing even after he moved to Zimbabwe in 1984. His actions only became publicly known in 2017, following a report by Britain’s Channel 4. Many feel the delay in revealing the truth allowed Smyth to continue his abuse.
Welby said he didn’t initially report Smyth to the police because he believed authorities were already involved. However, he admitted he should have been more proactive, saying the allegations weren’t pursued as “energetically” as needed.
Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle, stated, “His position had become untenable,” noting that members of the church’s national assembly had called for his resignation.
The victims of Smyth’s abuse were particularly vocal. Andrew Morse, who suffered beatings from Smyth for years, stated, “I believe that now is an opportunity for him to resign.”
Stephen Cherry, dean of the chapel at King’s College Cambridge, said Welby had lost the trust needed for his role. “There are circumstances…whereby a person in a position of prominent leadership…loses the trust and the confidence…to represent everyone at a certain moment publicly,” Cherry told the BBC.
Welby’s resignation marks a critical moment for the Church of England, which has faced ongoing criticism for failing to address sexual abuse within its ranks.
A 2022 report found that a culture of deference to church leaders and a reluctance to discuss abuse allowed perpetrators to hide within the church.
Supporters of Welby argue he made significant efforts to reform the church’s culture. However, many believe his resignation was necessary for healing and accountability within the Church of England.
