Archbishop of Canterbury Quits Amid Abuse Scandal

In a surprising move, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has announced his immediate resignation over the Church of England's handling of the John Smyth abuse scandal. The scandal, which involves a priest who admitted to abusing boys in the UK and Zimbabwe, has been a long-standing issue, with Welby acknowledging his own inaction in addressing it over the years.

Welby's decision comes after a report found that the police were not notified in 2013, despite him being informed, and that he should have pursued the matter further. He has taken responsibility for the "long and retraumatising period" between 2013 and 2024, stating that he missed multiple opportunities to address the issue and failed to ensure that it was pursued relentlessly. The Archbishop has also acknowledged that he had previously been told about the abuse by a friend and had exchanged Christmas cards with Smyth, but claimed he had no suspicion at the time. However, he accepted that he funded Smyth's mission in Zimbabwe, giving £40 or £50 on two occasions.

This is not the first time the Church of England has faced criticism over its handling of abuse allegations. Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell has acknowledged "real progress" in safeguarding under Welby's leadership, but critics argue that the resignation of one leader will not bring sufficient change. They are calling for an independent body with expertise in safeguarding to be established. The process of choosing Welby's successor will take several months, including a nationwide consultation and a committee of 17 people. The move is seen as a major shake-up for the Church of England, which has a history of cover-ups, and raises questions about accountability and the future of safeguarding in the institution. Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord George Carey has praised Welby's decision, describing it as an example of "dignity and selflessness".

Welby's resignation marks a significant moment in the Church of England's ongoing struggle to address the legacy of abuse and cover-ups. While his decision may bring some measure of closure for victims, it remains to be seen whether it will lead to meaningful change in the institution. The selection of his successor will be closely watched, and the church's commitment to safeguarding will be under scrutiny in the months to come.