Yanuki
Religion / Church Of England
In his first interview since resigning as Archbishop of Canterbury last November, Justin Welby addressed the handling of allegations against serial abuser John Smyth, a scandal that led to his departure. Welby discussed forgiveness, admitte...
Justin Welby's resignation followed the damning Makin Report (2024), which concluded opportunities to bring John Smyth to justice were missed, including when evidence was presented to Welby in 2013. The report found Welby 'could and should' have done more. Smyth, a barrister and lay preacher, inflicted decades of 'brutal abuse' on an 'industrial scale' at Christian camps and schools in the UK and Africa, dying in 2018 without facing justice.
Welby maintains he was unaware of the abuse until 2013, a claim the Makin Report deemed 'unlikely', suggesting he likely knew of concerns surrounding Smyth earlier. Explaining his inaction after 2013, Welby cited police instructions not to interfere with their inquiry, but conceded, 'I should have pestered them'.
His departure, the first Archbishop of Canterbury to resign in centuries under such circumstances, plunged the Church of England into crisis. The handling of the situation, including Welby's initial delay in resigning and his later controversial speech, drew criticism from victims.
The interview also shed light on broader issues within the Church: the struggle to adopt fully independent safeguarding rejected by the General Synod, internal divisions over LGBTQ+ equality and women's roles, and concerns about a potential split within the global Anglican Communion. This occurs against a backdrop of declining Christian identification in England and Wales, emphasizing the Church's challenge to remain relevant and cohesive in an increasingly diverse society.
He resigned after the independent Makin Report found significant failings in his handling of abuse allegations against serial abuser John Smyth, specifically regarding information received in 2013.
John Smyth was a prominent barrister and lay figure associated with the Church of England who systematically abused over 100 boys and young men physically, sexually, and psychologically over several decades in the UK and Africa. He died in 2018 before facing justice.
Welby accepted 'personal and institutional responsibility' and expressed a 'deep sense of personal failure'. However, he stated demanding forgiveness from victims would be 'abuse again'. At least one victim has stated they have not received a satisfactory personal apology or full explanation.
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