Church of England head resigns after failing to report decades-long sexual abuse

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigns after failing to report serial abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps to the police

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has announced his resignation following an investigation that revealed he failed to report serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps to the police. The pressure for Welby’s resignation has been mounting since the release of the inquiry’s findings, sparking outrage over the lack of accountability within the Church of England.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Welby acknowledged the need to take responsibility for the prolonged period of abuse that occurred between 2013 and 2024. He expressed that stepping down from his position was in the best interest of the Church of England, a institution which he holds dear and has been honored to serve.

The Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, stated that Welby’s position had become untenable, and members of the church’s national assembly had started a petition calling for his resignation, citing a loss of confidence in his leadership among clergy members. This sentiment was echoed by the victims of the late John Smyth, a prominent attorney who abused teenage boys and young men at Christian summer camps over a span of five decades.

Andrew Morse, a survivor of Smyth’s abuse, emphasized that Welby’s resignation was an opportunity for him to stand in solidarity with victims and begin the process of repairing the damage caused by the church’s mishandling of historical abuse cases. The resignation comes at a time when the Church of England is grappling with widespread historical sexual abuse, as highlighted in a 2022 report by the Independent Inquiry Child Sexual Abuse.

While some of Welby’s supporters have credited him with instigating cultural changes within the church, it was an investigation into crimes that predated his tenure as Archbishop of Canterbury that ultimately led to his resignation. The report of the Makin Review revealed that Welby had failed to report Smyth to authorities when informed of the abuse in 2013.

The findings of the investigation exposed a culture within the church that enabled abusers to hide, perpetuating a cycle of harm and neglect towards victims. Welby expressed horror at the scale of Smyth’s abuse and took responsibility for the lack of action taken to address the allegations promptly.

The failure to report Smyth’s abuse dates back to 1982 when church officials were first made aware of the misconduct but engaged in a cover-up to prevent the findings from being disclosed. Smyth continued to abuse boys and young men in Zimbabwe and South Africa until his death in 2018.

In light of these revelations, Justin Welby’s resignation signals a crucial moment for the Church of England to confront its past failures, prioritize accountability, and prioritize the well-being of survivors. The road to healing and reconciliation will undoubtedly be long and arduous, but it is a necessary step towards fostering a culture of transparency, justice, and compassion within the church.