The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has announced his resignation following rising pressure over his handling of an abuse scandal involving the late John Smyth, a former church barrister accused of abusing around 130 boys.
The decision follows last week’s release of the Makin review, which criticised the Church of England for a prolonged cover-up and stated that Smyth may have faced justice if the archbishop had reported the abuse to authorities a decade earlier.
In a statement on social media, Welby said, “Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign.” He expressed sorrow over the victims’ suffering and acknowledged his responsibility for the delay in addressing the abuses from 2013 to 2024. Welby’s resignation, he added, reflects the church’s commitment to creating a safer environment.
The Makin review found that Smyth, who passed away in 2018, evaded justice despite widespread abuse allegations spanning five decades in the UK and Africa. Smyth reportedly inflicted physical, sexual and psychological harm on schoolboys attending Christian camps during the 1970s and 1980s.
Although Welby volunteered at these camps, he has denied knowledge of Smyth’s actions, though the report suggested he likely had some awareness.
Survivors, including Andrew Morse, publicly criticised Welby for his perceived role in a cover-up.
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