The head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev. Justin Welby, has announced his resignation effective immediately, following scrutiny surrounding his handling of allegations of abuse committed by the late John Smyth QC, who was revealed to have victimized numerous boys and young men during the 1970s and 1980s. The Makin Review, released just days before Welby’s resignation, concluded he failed to report serious concerns disclosed to him about Smyth's actions back when he was informed of them more than ten years ago.
According to the BBC, Smyth is regarded as one of the most notorious abusers connected with the Church of England. He died at the age of 77 after evading justice for his crimes, which included extensive assault during his tenure as the operator of summer camps associated with the Church. Following its findings, the independent review criticized the church’s past secrecy and mishandling of such cases, effectively stating Welby could have acted sooner to protect potential victims.
Having consulted with His Majesty The King, Welby expressed his sorrow over these circumstances, stating, “I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury… I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change.” He characterized the situation as one of enduring shame, reiterATING the urgency for reform within the institution following decades of distress caused by its failures.
His resignation triggered rapid responses from various members of the clergy and political figures alike. Bishop of Birkenhead, Julie Conalty, emphasized the need for institutional reform, arguing Welby’s departure alone would not be sufficient to address the systemic failures revealed by the report. She passionately stated, “This is about institutional changes, our culture, and systemic failure.” This notion was echoed by other bishops and Church leaders who believe the church must now undergo significant restructuring to avoid future failures.
Dr. Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle and one of the few to publicly advocate for Welby’s resignation prior to his announcement, welcomed his decision but similarly indicated it didn’t resolve the many fundamental problems surrounding safeguarding within the Church. She noted, “It does not excuse others whose neglect of their duties is exposed by the Makin report.” Both she and Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed the sentiment echoed widely—that simply changing the head of the church would not cure its pervasive problems, and rather, “deep and fundamental issues” remain.
Welby's tenure was marked by controversies and challenges. Critics had previously pointed to his liberal stances on LGBTQ+ issues, which had caused discord among the more conservative factions within the Church. Just prior to his resignation, comments he made affirming his support for homosexuality led to backlash from some evangelical factions, alleging conflicts with the church's traditional beliefs.
His resignation also raises questions about who will succeed him. According to the Independent, the appointment process for the new Archbishop can take several months, as it involves consultations across the Anglican Communion—a requirement underscoring the weight and influence of the role. The Archbishop of Canterbury serves as both the leader of the Church of England and the symbolic head of the Anglican Communion, which boasts over 85 million members globally.
During his resignation announcement, Welby lamented the impact of the prolonged period where victims felt their voices had not reached appropriate authorities. He cited how the grievous impact of Smyth's actions and the institutional responses—or lack thereof—had resulted in myriad lives being altered irrevocably. Welby said, “The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth.” While he claimed he believed at the time of being informed back in 2013, “that police had been notified,” the consequences of these assumptions have led him to take personal responsibility for the failures of action.
Following his resignation, Mark Stibbe, one of Smyth’s victims, applauded Welby's choice but highlighted continued demand for accountability, calling for others within the Church hierarchy to resign as well. "What we would like is more resignations because…people taking responsibility for having been silent when they should have spoken," Stibbe commented. This sentiment was reflected repeatedly throughout the growing calls for addressing not only individual accountability but also system reform by the Church of England.
Throughout his nearly twelve years as Archbishop, Welby had engaged fervently with numerous social and political issues, clashing with various factions over church governance and teachings. He made significant strides toward transparency and safeguarding measures, stressing the urgency of institutional change to prevent tragedies like those uncovered by the Makin Review from occurring again. Reiteratively, he expressed, “I pray this decision points us back toward the love Jesus Christ has for every one of us.”
The sudden resignation has sent ripples throughout the Anglican community and wider public, reigniting discussions about abuse within religious institutions. This event raises broader questions about accountability, governance, and the measures necessary to create and sustain environments free from misconduct and abuse.
Many believe this moment should serve as both a warning and motivator for the Church. It emphasizes the dire need for action and the implementation of solid processes for safeguarding the vulnerable, with Bishop Hartley asserting, “Now is the time for honesty and accountability.”
Since Welby's announcement, numerous commentators have seized upon this moment to reinforce the notion of church action transitioning to new leadership driven by accountability and transparency. The discussions forming around this important subject could shape the future governance of the Church of England as it seeks to heal its wounds and realign itself with core values of safety and compassion.
This transition within the Church could not arrive at a more opportune time, as society increasingly demands high standards for conduct respecting the vulnerable and fostering environments conducive to truth and healing. Of utmost importance is ensuring no more voices are silenced and histories of abuse are thoroughly acknowledged and addressed.
