independent.co.uk
Archbishop Resigns Amid Child Abuse Scandal
Archbishop Justin Welby resigns after a report exposes a cover-up of widespread child abuse within the Church of England.
English
United Kingdom
Human Rights ViolationsUkGender IssuesResignationScandalAbuseChurchCover-Up
Church Of EnglandGeneral SynodHampshire Police
Justin WelbyJohn Smyth QcSir Keir StarmerHelen-Ann Hartley
- Why did the Archbishop of Canterbury resign?
- The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, resigned due to the Makin Review's findings of a "conspiracy of silence" surrounding John Smyth QC's abuse of children and young men. Welby acknowledged his failure to alert authorities and take responsibility for the church's safeguarding failures.
- What were the main findings of the Makin Review?
- The Makin Review concluded that John Smyth's abuse, spanning decades and potentially affecting 130 victims, might have been stopped earlier if Welby had reported it to police in 2013. Smyth died in 2018 before facing justice for his crimes.
- What pressure was put on the Archbishop to resign?
- A petition with over 10,000 signatures and statements from senior church officials and Sir Keir Starmer called for Welby's resignation, citing a loss of credibility and the need for better safeguarding. The Prime Minister's spokesperson respected the decision.
- What was the Archbishop's knowledge of John Smyth's abuse before and after 2013?
- While Welby stated he had no knowledge of Smyth's abuse before 2013, the review found that after its exposure that year, he failed to ensure it was thoroughly investigated. The review noted his earlier association with Smyth but couldn't confirm the extent of his knowledge about the severity of the abuses.
- What are the implications of the Archbishop's resignation for the Church of England?
- Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley stated that Welby's resignation, while not a complete solution, signals a commitment to independent safeguarding within the Church of England. The petition emphasized the need for change for the sake of survivors and the Church's future.