The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, Primate of the Church of England, announced his resignation today due to pressure exerted by bishops after failing to act on a serious child abuse case in 2013. Welby, the spiritual leader of Anglicans worldwide, stated in a communiqué that he takes responsibility for his management and will coordinate his departure considering his institutional and constitutional obligations.
In his statement, Welby explained that, upon taking office in 2013, he was informed about alleged abuses committed over decades by John Smyth, a leader of Christian camps, and that he mistakenly thought it would be resolved. He improved child protection guidelines during his tenure and stated that his resignation aims to demonstrate the Church of England's commitment to safety.
Thousands of people signed an online petition demanding the immediate resignation of the archbishop, and several high-ranking officials joined the pressure in recent days. Welby officiated the coronation of Charles III in 2023 and the weddings of Princes William and Harry as the highest Anglican authority.
Regarding the Makin report presented last week, Welby acknowledged his responsibility for the period between 2013 and 2024, when the errors concerning John Smyth were exposed. The report revealed a conspiracy of silence regarding the abuses by the Canadian lawyer, attributing the abuse of minors in Christian camps to him.
Smyth, who died in South Africa in 2018, is believed to have been the most prolific pedophile associated with the Church of England. Welby's resignation reflects the need for changes in the Church of England and its commitment to the safety and protection of minors.
