Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby Resigns Amid Criticism Over Mishandling Abuse Allegations

LONDON, November 12, 2024 — Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, announced his resignation on Tuesday following an independent review that criticized his response to abuse allegations against John Smyth, a figure described as “the most prolific serial abuser” linked to the Church of England. The report revealed that Welby, who became aware of the claims in 2013, did not take sufficient action to address Smyth’s crimes, which spanned five decades and affected over 100 boys and young men across Britain, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Welby’s Resignation Statement and Admission of Responsibility

In his resignation statement, Welby acknowledged a “conspiracy of silence” surrounding Smyth’s abuses and accepted responsibility for the church’s failures. “It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility,” Welby stated. He admitted that he mistakenly trusted assurances that police had been informed, delaying justice and retraumatizing victims.

Welby’s tenure as Archbishop has seen him preside over key national events, such as Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and King Charles III’s coronation. Due to retire in 2026, his early resignation makes him one of the most senior church leaders to step down over a sexual abuse scandal.

Smyth’s Legacy of Abuse and Institutional Failures

John Smyth, a prominent lawyer and evangelical Christian, was active in various religious circles, recruiting young men through Christian camps and talks at universities and private schools. He allegedly abused 30 boys in Britain during the 1970s and 1980s, using religious justification for brutal beatings. In 1984, Smyth relocated to Zimbabwe and later to South Africa, where reports indicate that he may have abused up to 100 more young boys.

An internal investigation by the Iwerne Trust in the early 1980s raised alarms with Winchester College, attended by many of Smyth’s victims, but no police reports were filed. Smyth’s abuses only came to public attention after a 2017 Channel 4 documentary prompted the Church of England to launch a full investigation.

A Church Struggling with Safeguarding Reforms

Welby has previously implemented reforms to address safeguarding within the Church, such as increasing staff and formalizing reporting procedures. However, victims argue that these measures have not translated into adequate reparations or support. The review’s findings highlighted the gap between institutional changes and meaningful support for abuse survivors, a discrepancy that ultimately pressured Welby to step down.

The resignation follows a petition by General Synod members calling for accountability, which received over 14,000 signatures. “As I step down, I do so in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse,” Welby said, emphasizing the church’s commitment to creating a safer environment moving forward.

The Path Ahead for the Church of England

Welby’s resignation signals a turning point for the Church of England as it confronts its handling of historic abuse cases. The process to appoint his successor will involve a Church commission, with final recommendations made to the British monarch and prime minister. The new archbishop will inherit the challenges of restoring trust, supporting abuse survivors, and reinforcing safeguarding measures.

Welby’s resignation underscores the necessity for transformative changes within religious institutions to prioritize victim protection over reputation. As the Church seeks a new leader, it faces the critical task of addressing past failures to foster a safer, more accountable future.