Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby announced his resignation on November 12, 2024, following intense scrutiny and backlash over his handling of historical abuse cases within the Church of England. This marked the end of his tenure since he had taken office as the 105th archbishop of Canterbury in 2013, and it highlighted pressing issues surrounding child safety and accountability within the church.
Welby’s decision to step down came as no surprise to many, as calls for his resignation had escalated sharply after the publication of a comprehensive investigation detailing the misconduct of John Smyth, a prominent church leader whose abuses spanned several decades. The report, released by independent reviewer Keith Makin, outlined how Smyth had abused scores of boys and young men under the guise of Christian mentorship during his time running summer camps.
During his resignation announcement, Welby expressed deep sorrow and acknowledged the pain and suffering experienced by the victims of abuse. He stated, “I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our commitment to creating a safer church.” Although Welby was not personally accused of abuse, his administration faced significant criticism for its failure to address the allegations against Smyth effectively upon his awareness of them in 2013.
Smyth, who passed away in 2018 without having faced criminal charges, was notorious for his physical and sexual abuse, targeting vulnerable young individuals from prestigious public schools. Evidence suggests he was allowed to operate with impunity partly due to the church’s longstanding culture of secrecy and deference to its leaders, which discouraged victims from coming forward. According to the Makin report, church officials received warnings about Smyth’s behavior as far back as the 1980s but failed to take appropriate actions to stop him.
The repercussions of Welby’s inadequate response to Smyth’s abuses echoed within the church community and beyond. A significant part of the investigation concluded, "Archbishop Welby held personal and moral responsibility to pursue this matter vigorously," emphasizing he could have acted decisively instead of assuming police were already handling the case. This has raised questions about his leadership capabilities and the extent of accountability within the church's higher echelons.
While resigning, Welby pointed to his long-held sense of shame over the failings of the church’s safeguarding measures. He noted, “The calls for my resignation have renewed my long felt and deep sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England.” His departure drew reactions from various quarters, with some members of the General Synod calling it necessary due to his lost confidence among clergy.
Previous efforts to reform the church’s approach to safeguarding saw Welby trying to improve policies after taking office. He faced considerable resistance, particularly from conservative factions within the Church of England, especially after endorsing the blessing of same-sex couples. This led to tensions and divisions within Anglicanism, which remains fractured over issues of sexuality and gender.
Welby’s legacy as archbishop has been complex, as he tried to navigate the difficult terrain of modern church controversies. He expressed hopes for unity and has participated actively in ecumenical engagements, most recently alongside Pope Francis. Yet, the shadows of past abuses have marred his tenure and raised alarm bells about the workings of church governance.
Following his resignation, discussions erupted about the need for broader accountability within church hierarchies. Some believe the focus should broaden beyond just Welby, highlighting systemic failures within other church leaders and institutions. Bishop Julie Conalty emphasized this need for vigilance, asserting, "No institution can ever be totally safe; it is likely other people should go."
The scandal concerning Smyth’s abuses has sparked continuous discussions about the church's historical failures. The independent review's findings align with prior investigations, including a 2022 inquiry detailing widespread failures across institutions meant to safeguard children from abuse. This inquiry pointed to the church prioritizing reputation over the well-being of victims.
Victims of Smyth’s abuse have voiced hopes for justice and reform, seeing Welby’s resignation as both recognition of the problem and an opportunity for real change. Andrew Morse, who suffered at the hands of Smyth, remarked, “I believe this resignation is a chance for healing. It can serve as the catalyst for meaningful investigations and necessary changes.”
Moving forward, the Anglican Communion, which has over 85 million members across the globe, now faces the urgent task of confronting its past and establishing more effective safeguarding practices. With Welby’s resignation, many expect significant reflections within the Anglican hierarchy, pushing for transparent dialogue about the mishandling of abuse cases.
The unexpected resignation of Justin Welby serves not only as a dramatic shift within the Church of England but also as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of personal and institutional failings on vulnerable individuals. It raises fundamental questions about leadership accountability, the safety of children within faith institutions, and the broader cultural shifts needed to prevent such tragedies from occurring again. How the Church of England and the entire Anglican Communion respond to this situation could shape their future and the trust they hold with their congregants.
Welby concluded his farewell by asking for prayers for his family, signaling his deep commitment to the church, even as he acknowledged the great challenges it faces. He pointed to his love for the church, stating, "I pray this decision points us back toward the love Jesus Christ has for each of us." His resignation has opened conversations about courage, humility, and the necessity of accountability, fostering hopes for systemic changes required to achieve genuine safety and restoration within church communities.
