Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby Resigns

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has announced his resignation in the wake of a report that revealed the Church of England’s mishandling of sexual abuse allegations against the late barrister John Smyth QC. Smyth, who died in 2018 while under investigation, is accused of abusing as many as 130 boys and young men over five decades across the UK and Africa.
Smyth’s actions were uncovered as part of a broader investigation by Hampshire Police, which unfortunately concluded after his death at age 75 in Cape Town. The report emphasizes that Smyth’s victims, who were often subjected to physical beatings and spiritual manipulation, had their lives irrevocably altered by the abuse.

Welby’s resignation brings a momentous chapter to a close as the Church of England faces ongoing scrutiny over safeguarding practices and a renewed commitment to supporting survivors. The Church has promised reforms to ensure that future reports of abuse are properly managed and promptly reported to authorities.