independent.co.uk
Archbishop Welby Faces Calls for Resignation Amid Abuse Scandal
A senior bishop calls for Archbishop Welby's resignation following a damning report on the handling of a serial abuser's case within the Church of England.
English
United Kingdom
Human Rights ViolationsUkAccountabilitySexual AssaultLeadership CrisisChurch AbuseSafeguarding Failure
Church Of EnglandHouse Of LordsGeneral SynodHampshire Police
Justin WelbyHelen-Ann HartleyJohn SmythGiles FraserJoanne Grenfell
- Who is John Smyth and what are the details of the alleged abuse?
- John Smyth, a Christian barrister, is believed to have abused as many as 130 boys and young men across five decades in the UK and Africa; the review criticizes the church for not reporting him to authorities sooner.
- What is Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley's stance on Archbishop Welby's position?
- Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley called for Archbishop Welby's resignation, stating his position is untenable and the Church of England is losing credibility due to its handling of the Smyth abuse case.
- What is the petition regarding Archbishop Welby's role in the John Smyth case?
- A petition with over 1,500 signatures from members of the General Synod urges Archbishop Welby to resign for his failure to alert authorities about John Smyth's abuse of children and young men.
- What did the Makin review conclude about Archbishop Welby's knowledge of John Smyth's abuse?
- The Makin review found that Archbishop Welby had some knowledge of concerns about John Smyth's abuse in the early 1980s and showed a lack of curiosity about allegations in 2013.
- What are the varying opinions within the Church of England regarding Archbishop Welby's response to the allegations?
- While some, including Bishop Grenfell, praise Archbishop Welby's apology and commitment to safeguarding, others, like Giles Fraser, believe his position is untenable and that he has lost the confidence of many within the church.