Welby Resigns Over Child Abuse Scandal

Welby Resigns Over Child Abuse Scandal

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Welby Resigns Over Child Abuse Scandal

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigns following an independent review exposing his mishandling of a decades-long child abuse scandal.

English
United States
Human Rights ViolationsUkAccountabilityChild AbuseResignationChurchCover-Up
Church Of EnglandHouse Of LordsChannel 4 NewsBbc
Justin WelbyJohn SmythGeorge CareyHelen-Ann Hartley
Why did Archbishop Justin Welby resign from his position?
Archbishop Justin Welby resigned due to his mishandling of a child abuse case involving John Smyth, a deceased lawyer. An independent review revealed a cover-up of Smyth's abuse, prompting Welby to accept responsibility and resign.
Who was John Smyth, and what was his connection to the Church of England?
John Smyth, a deceased British lawyer, was a serial abuser linked to the Church of England. He perpetrated extensive abuse on boys and young men, spanning decades and involving summer camps associated with the church.
What did the Makin Review reveal about the handling of the child abuse cases?
The Makin Review, an independent investigation commissioned by the Church of England, revealed a "worrying pattern of deference" to Smyth and concluded that a serious crime had been covered up. This report detailed decades of abuse and institutional failures.
What is the significance of Welby's resignation in the context of the Church of England's history?
Welby's resignation is unprecedented for an Archbishop of Canterbury. While he claimed he believed the police had been notified in 2013, the review exposed significant delays and a failure to adequately address the abuse, leading to calls for his resignation.
What are the implications of Welby's resignation and the broader handling of child abuse within the Church of England?
The resignation has sparked debate about Welby's future in the House of Lords and raises broader questions about accountability within the Church of England regarding child sexual abuse cases. The Church's response to such abuse remains under intense scrutiny.