Abuse Scandal Claims Top Church Leader: Justin Welby Quits

Church of England Leader Quits Amid Mounting Pressure

“I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which...”

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby Resigns Amid Abuse Scandal: Read the Full Story

John Smyth, a British lawyer and former chair of the Iwerne Trust, was implicated in a scandal involving the abuse of young men at Christian camps in Dorset, England.

Before his ordination, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby served as a dormitory officer at these camps.

Smyth passed away in 2018 at age 75 in Cape Town, South Africa, without facing prosecution for his alleged abuses, as reported in the Makin Report.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has announced his resignation following a scathing report that exposed the Church of England's cover-up of a serial abuse case. Welby expressed his commitment to creating a safer church, stating, “I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church.”

The independent Makin report revealed shocking details of John Smyth's abuse, which spanned four decades and involved over 100 boys. Smyth's heinous actions included inflicting 800 strokes of the cane on some victims, forcing them to wear nappies to conceal their injuries, and kissing and molesting them against their will.

Welby's resignation comes after serving as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury since 2012. He was previously the Bishop of Durham and had a passion for reconciliation and peace-making, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.

“It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024.

“It is my duty to honour my Constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion.

“As I step down I do so in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse.”

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby acknowledges that the Church of England must do more to safeguard young and vulnerable individuals within its community. This admission comes amidst mounting pressure to address the Church's handling of abuse allegations and ensure a safer environment for all. Essentially, Welby recognizes the need for enhanced measures to protect those most susceptible to harm and exploitation.

He continued: “The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England. For nearly twelve years I have struggled to introduce improvements. It is for others to judge what has been done.

“In the meantime, I will follow through on my commitment to meet victims. I will delegate all my other current responsibilities for safeguarding until the necessary risk assessment process is complete.

“I ask everyone to keep my wife Caroline and my children in their prayers. They have been my most important support throughout my ministry, and I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice. Caroline led the spouses' programme during the Lambeth Conference and has travelled tirelessly in areas of conflict supporting the most vulnerable, the women, and those who care for them locally.

“I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honoured to serve. I pray that this decision points us back towards the love that Jesus Christ has for every one of us.

“For above all else, my deepest commitment is to the person of Jesus Christ, my saviour and my God; the bearer of the sins and burdens of the world, and the hope of every person.”