Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has stepped down following a critical report on his handling of abuse cases involving John Smyth, a prominent Church figure revealed as a serial abuser. The report, led by Keith Makin for the Church’s national safeguarding team, found that Welby failed to act on information that might have triggered an investigation into Smyth’s abuses years earlier.
Smyth, a barrister and evangelical leader, allegedly abused as many as 130 victims, mainly through Christian camps, but evaded accountability before his death in 2018. Welby admitted he had to “take personal and institutional responsibility” for the drawn-out response and the Church’s failure to act decisively after he became aware of the allegations in 2013.
Condemnation has come from both within and outside the Church. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented on the Church’s handling, stressing that the suffering of victims should be the priority. Meanwhile, Church leaders like Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley publicly called for Welby’s resignation, citing a breakdown in trust, while critics like Reform UK’s Nigel Farage labeled his leadership a “complete catastrophe.”
Welby’s tenure since his 2013 appointment has often drawn criticism for his political statements. He has taken progressive stances on issues like Brexit, condemning it as nationalist and divisive, and likened it, along with Donald Trump’s election, to fascist movements. Recently, he criticized the Rwanda immigration plan with historical comparisons to Nazi Germany, drawing backlash.
Now, as Church attendance dwindles, Welby’s departure follows a tenure marked by scandal and polarizing statements, leaving the future of the Church of England’s leadership uncertain
