The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has announced his resignation after facing growing pressure over his handling of child abuse scandals within the Church of England. Welby, who took office over a decade ago, cited his inability to adequately address accusations against barrister John Smyth, who was linked to extensive abuse within the church, as the primary reason for his decision to step down.
John Smyth's abuse was highlighted not only by Welby's tenure but also by the chilling findings of the recent Makin Review, which was commissioned posthumously following Smyth's death. The report detailed the horrifying extent of his actions, stating he perpetrated "traumatic physical, sexual, psychological and spiritually abusive attacks" against as many as 130 boys and young men from the UK and Africa. This brutal legacy culminated from incidents dating back to the 1980s, yet it remained largely unchallenged until now.
Welby acknowledged through his resignation statement, “I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024.” Despite previously asserting he would not resign, the recent revelations compelled him to reconsider his position.
On Tuesday morning, the King approved Welby's resignation, setting off questions about what happens next for the Church. While Welby indicated his intent to complete his immediate obligations, the timeline for his official departure remains uncertain. He pointed out, “The exact timings of my departure will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed.”
The processes surrounding the appointment of the next Archbishop of Canterbury are considerably detailed, involving the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC), which traditionally plays the lead role. This commission, established back in the 1970s, consists of 17 voting members, including bishops and representatives from various facets of the church, and is tasked with evaluating candidates for the archbishopric.
During deliberations, the CNC will compile background material on potential candidates and assess how well each might address the challenges the church faces going forward. The preferred nominee will then be presented to the Prime Minister, who reviews the commission's recommendation before advising the King on the appointment.
Historically, there has been some tension between the church’s wishes and the political appointment process, as seen when Margaret Thatcher reportedly favored Dr. George Carey over the CNC's first nominee due to political biases. Since then, there’s been growing respect for the CNC’s selection, particularly under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who surrendered more of his prerogative during appointments.
Given the potential for delay — the process averages about nine months — the church community faces uncertainties as they wait for the next appointment. Reports anticipate the next archbishop may emerge from among those currently serving as bishops, but the focus will undoubtedly shift now to candidates who can lead amid the church’s considerable crisis. Among names floated are Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, known for his advocacy for LGBT rights and climate change, and Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford, who has personal connections to the Iranian Revolution and would be the church's first female archbishop.
Another name mentioned is Martyn Snow, the Bishop of Leicester, who has worked religiously and interfaith initiatives. There's also Michael Beasley, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, recognized for his contributions during the pandemic.
The historical significance of this transition remains palpable not just because of the candidates being discussed but also due to the cultural shifts they signify. If Guli Francis-Dehqani or Dame Sarah Mullally (the Bishop of London) were to be chosen, it would mark the first time the post has not been held by a white male, reshaping the narrative of the Church of England's leadership.
This broader picture not only calls attention to the needs of the Anglican Communion, composed of 85 million members globally, but also highlights the church's readiness to evolve amid changing societal values and pressures. The world will be watching closely as the Church embarks on yet another pivotal chapter under the weight of past failures and future expectations.
With concerns about how the church will recover from the tarnished image due to the abusive history brought to light, the next Archbishop will need to carry the mantle with care, addressing both internal concerns and external perceptions, seeking to restore faith and integrity to the leadership.
Soon, as the process begins to play out, speculation will only intensify about who will lead next and the vision they will bring forth for the Church during such turbulent times. Amidst the current crises, those decision-makers will have to balance tradition with the pressing need for inclusivity and reform, as they choose who will take up the weighty responsibilities left by Welby's controversial tenure.
