The Church of England is grappling with the fallout of Archbishop Justin Welby's resignation, announced on November 12, 2024. This unprecedented decision has sent shockwaves through the institution and the wider Anglican Communion, largely stemming from the church’s handling of historical sexual abuse cases.
Welby's exit has been attributed to the release of a damning report concerning John Smyth, a prominent lawyer and church figure who committed emotional, physical, and sexual abuse against boys over multiple decades. The Makin Review, which documented the extent of Smyth’s predation, found significant failures within the church, including Welby’s failure to act upon learning about the abuse shortly after taking office as archbishop.
Throughout the years, victims of Smyth, who was known for his brutal methods, have expressed their anguish over the church’s response—or lack thereof. Revelations showed Smyth abused at least 130 boys, both on British soil and abroad, particularly during his time at summer camps he ran. Survivors highlighted how allegations against Smyth had been well known within evangelical circles, raising questions about how such horrors could continue under the church's watch.
Initially, Welby was resistant to resigning, even after facing mounting pressure from various factions, including church leaders and the general public. On November 11, the tide turned after influential cleric Rev. Giles Fraser spoke boldly on BBC Radio 4 about the church’s deep-seated issues, detailing his personal experiences of abuse and the untrustworthy nature of the church's protective structures.
Fraser’s remarks ignited considerable backlash against Welby, with many clergy members, including Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley of Newcastle, publicly declaring Welby’s position as untenable. Hartley explicitly noted, “Can we really trust the Church of England to keep us safe? And I think the answer at the moment is ‘no.’” Following this sentiment, calls for Welby’s resignation intensified, culminating in the delivery of over 13,000 signatures to petitions demanding his resignation.
It wasn’t until the investigation was made public, painting a grim picture of how the Church of England had mishandled allegations of abuse dating back to the early 1980s, when many began to realize Welby’s leadership had become increasingly untenable. The 251-page report outlined not only the horrific abuse committed by Smyth but also detailed systemic failures across the church hierarchy, where previous allegations were silenced or buried.
Upon resigning, Welby acknowledged the importance of taking responsibility for his and the church’s actions. He stated, “It is very clear I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024.” He expressed hope his decision would signal the church's commitment to reform and healing, emphasizing the necessity for a safer environment for congregants.
Church historians and commentators remark on how this scandal isn't merely about one leader; it symbolizes the larger and troubling patterns of clerical abuse and the respective responses—or mishandling—by church authorities. Analysts are contemplating wider ramifications, including discussions on the potential for disestablishment of the Church of England, as public trust continues to wane.
Looking to the future, there is speculation about the next archbishop, with several prominent female bishops suggested as possible successors. Amidst the discussion about new leadership, it is evident the church’s next priority must be addressing the needs of sexual abuse victims and establishing trusts and systems aimed at ensuring such betrayals are never repeated.
Welby’s resignation is emblematic of the struggles faced by traditional institutions attempting to adapt to contemporary expectations surrounding accountability, safety, and justice. Critics maintain significant skepticism about the church's ability to effect meaningful change without significant restructuring and transparent engagement with abuse survivors. How the Church of England navigates this watershed moment will likely impact its structure and influence within the global Anglican Communion moving forward.
