Archbishop of Canterbury
On November 12, 2024, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, made a momentous announcement: he would be stepping down. His decision, while significant, was not unexpected; it came after months of scrutiny, outrage, and intense public backlash over his handling of historical child abuse cases within the Church of England. The resignation of a figure as prominent as Welby casts a sharp light on deeper, long-standing issues within the church—issues that extend beyond one man and call into question the very systems meant to protect the most vulnerable.
Welby’s departure underscores the widespread failures to address the church’s troubled history with child abuse. He stated with sorrow, “I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our commitment to creating a safer church.” These words echoed across a shaken faith community and prompted a larger conversation about accountability, safety, and the systemic reforms urgently needed within the Church of England and the Anglican Communion at large.
The Church’s Troubled Legacy: The Case of John Smyth
The resignation was catalysed by revelations surrounding John Smyth, a once-respected church leader who allegedly used his position to abuse young boys and men under the pretense of Christian mentorship. Smyth’s abuses reportedly spanned decades, primarily affecting young men from elite public schools during summer camps. A damning independent investigation, led by Keith Makin, detailed Smyth’s abuses and revealed that the church had known about his behavior for years but failed to act. Evidence indicated that church leaders were alerted to Smyth’s misconduct as early as the 1980s but chose to prioritize reputation over safeguarding, resulting in decades of impunity for the abuser.
While Welby himself was not directly implicated in the abuses, he assumed the archbishop role in 2013 and, according to the Makin report, had a “personal and moral responsibility” to address the allegations decisively. His failure to do so effectively has drawn harsh criticism, as many feel he could have pursued the matter more vigorously. By trusting that law enforcement would take appropriate actions, Welby’s administration missed opportunities to protect potential victims, and this perceived inaction has left a cloud over his legacy.
A Culture of Silence and Secrecy
The Smyth case is a glaring example of the Church of England’s culture of secrecy and deference, where victims were discouraged from coming forward. This insidious culture allowed Smyth’s abuses to continue unchecked. The church, as Makin’s report outlined, had ample opportunities to act but chose silence, prioritizing its reputation over the well-being of young, vulnerable individuals.
This legacy of silence, fostered by a structure that protects its own leaders at the expense of victims, remains a disturbing aspect of the Church of England’s recent history. Smyth’s abuse is not an isolated case; it points to a systemic pattern within the institution. The church’s long-standing failure to protect children has not only damaged lives but has severely shaken the public’s trust. For victims like Andrew Morse, a survivor of Smyth’s abuse, Welby’s resignation brings a sense of validation but also an urgent need for action. Morse has stated, “I believe this resignation is a chance for healing. It can serve as the facility for meaningful investigations and necessary changes.”
Welby’s Complex Legacy: Reform Efforts and Resistance
As Archbishop, Welby had attempted to enact reforms to the church’s safeguarding policies. But his efforts were met with resistance, particularly from conservative factions within the church. His endorsement of same-sex blessings and calls for a more inclusive church stance created significant divisions within the Anglican Communion, which has historically been divided over issues of sexuality and gender. These divisions made it challenging for Welby to implement sweeping reforms within an already fractured church.
Welby’s resignation, therefore, marks the end of a complicated tenure. He attempted to address some of the church’s longstanding issues while balancing deep internal rifts. However, his legacy is inevitably tarnished by the church’s persistent inability to protect the vulnerable and take decisive action against abusers. His statement of resignation reflected this inner turmoil, as he said, “The calls for my resignation have renewed my long felt and deep sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England.”
The Urgent Need for Broader Accountability
With Welby’s resignation, the Anglican Communion, which comprises over 85 million members worldwide, faces a pivotal moment. The church is now grappling with a call for broader accountability, extending beyond just Welby to include other leaders and institutions that contributed to these failures. As Bishop Julie Conalty asserted, “No institution can ever be totally safe; it is likely other people should go.” This resignation should, therefore, be a starting point for rigorous, independent investigations that address institutional shortcomings across the board.
Victims and church reform advocates are urging for a complete overhaul of the church’s safeguarding practices, advocating for transparent procedures that ensure victims’ voices are heard and that such abuses cannot occur again. It’s not just about one resignation—it’s about a sustained commitment to change.
What Comes Next: A Call for Systemic Change
Welby’s resignation, though historic, will be meaningless unless it leads to substantive change. His departure has ignited discussions about the church’s systemic failures and the urgent need for reform. The church must now examine its internal culture and governance, which enabled Smyth and others like him to evade accountability. Transparency, accountability, and safeguarding must become the pillars upon which the Church of England rebuilds its trust.
The Anglican Communion now faces the challenge of creating structures that prioritize the safety of all members, particularly children and vulnerable individuals. True reform will require a willingness to confront the past, acknowledge the failures, and implement rigorous safeguarding policies that hold church leaders accountable. Only then can the church hope to regain the public’s trust and fulfill its duty to protect its congregants.
A Moment of Reflection and a Path Forward
The resignation of Justin Welby serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of institutional failures on survivors of abuse. This moment calls for courage, humility, and transparency from the church’s leadership and demands an unwavering commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
Welby’s words, as he bid farewell to his position, pointed to a future that must be grounded in genuine accountability: “I pray this decision points us back toward the love Jesus Christ has for each of us.”
For the Church of England, this resignation offers a powerful chance to reshape its future, one that prioritizes safety and accountability over institutional reputation. The broader Anglican Communion now stands at a crossroads, with the opportunity to address its past and pave a way forward that fosters genuine safety, healing, and faithfulness to the values it espouses.
Sources
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/radionational-breakfast/archbishop-follow/104597824
https://christianpure.com/it/learn/archbishop-of-canterbury-resigns-over-handling-of-abuse-cases
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/head-of-global-anglican-church-resigns-over-handling-of-child-abuse