STORY
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is facing mounting pressure to resign following the publication of the Makin Review, a damning report into the Church of England’s handling of abuse allegations against John Smyth QC. Smyth, a prominent evangelical lawyer, is alleged to have subjected as many as 130 young men and boys to brutal physical and psychological abuse over several decades. The Makin Review concluded that Smyth might have been brought to justice sooner had Welby formally alerted authorities in 2013 when he first became aware of the allegations. This failure, coupled with a perceived lack of urgency in addressing the systemic issues that allowed the abuse to occur and remain hidden for so long, has fuelled calls for Welby to step down.
A petition launched by three members of the General Synod, the Church of England’s parliament, calling for Welby’s resignation has garnered over 10,000 signatures. Andrew Morse, a victim of Smyth’s abuse, stated that Welby’s admission of failing to take sufficient action in 2013 “is enough in my mind to confirm that Justin Welby along with countless other Anglican church members were part of a cover-up about the abuse.”
The Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, has also joined the chorus of voices demanding Welby’s resignation, stating that his position is “untenable.” She argues that the Church needs a leader who can demonstrate a “passion” for safeguarding and a commitment to transparency and accountability. However, Welby has thus far resisted calls to resign. A Lambeth Palace spokesperson stated that the archbishop “hopes the Makin Review supports the ongoing work of building a safer church here and around the world.” Welby himself has acknowledged his failings in 2013 but maintains that he will not step down, emphasising his commitment to learning from the review and implementing its recommendations.
The calls for Welby’s resignation highlight the deep sense of betrayal and anger felt by survivors of abuse within the Church of England. They argue that his departure would symbolise a break with the past and a commitment to prioritising the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. However, others argue that Welby should remain in post to oversee the implementation of the Makin Review’s recommendations and ensure that such failings are never repeated. The controversy surrounding Welby’s leadership has plunged the Church of England into a crisis, raising serious questions about its ability to address past wrongs and create a safe environment for all its members. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether the Church can regain the trust of those harmed by Smyth’s abuse and rebuild its reputation as a place of safety and spiritual guidance.
