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Archbishop Resigns Over Child Abuse Scandal
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigns following a report on the Church of England's failure to address child abuse committed by John Smyth.
English
United Kingdom
UkResignationScandalAbuseChurchReport
Church Of EnglandWinchester College
Justin WelbyJohn SmythKeith Makin
- Why did the Archbishop of Canterbury resign?
- The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, resigned due to the Church of England's failure to address the abuse committed by John Smyth, a prolific child abuser. The resignation follows a damning report detailing Welby's inaction on reports of Smyth's abuse.
- Who was John Smyth, and what were his crimes?
- John Smyth, a barrister and lay preacher, ran summer camps for young Christians where he abused over 100 boys and young men. His abuse involved beatings and sadistic acts, with some victims requiring adult diapers due to their injuries.
- How did Justin Welby respond to the report's findings?
- Justin Welby acknowledged his personal and institutional responsibility for the Church's failures in addressing the abuse. His resignation reflects an attempt to address the need for change and accountability within the Church of England.
- What did the Keith Makin report reveal about John Smyth's actions?
- The report by Keith Makin detailed Smyth's "clearly sexually motivated, sadistic regime" of abuse during the 1970s and 1980s. Smyth's actions led to significant institutional failure within the Church of England's safeguarding processes.
- What are the broader implications of this scandal for the Church of England?
- The Archbishop's resignation has prompted calls for further reforms and investigations within the Church of England. The scandal highlights the need for greater transparency and improved safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable individuals.