Church of England head Justin Welby under pressure to resign amid abuse scandal
Associated PressNOV 9 2024
A report published last week has revealed that the Church of England failed to act against John Smyth, who abused approximately 130 boys and young men through brutal physical, psychological, and sexual attacks spanning five decades across three countries.A report published last week has revealed that the Church of England failed to act against barrister John Smyth, who abused approximately 130 boys and young men through brutal physical, psychological, and sexual attacks spanning five decades across three countries.
Archbishop Justin Welby had known Smyth since the 1970s from Christian summer camps. Informed of abuse allegations in 2013, Welby reportedly failed to ensure they were thoroughly investigated, which critics say represents a missed opportunity to bring Smyth to justice.Archbishop Justin Welby had known Smyth since the 1970s. Informed of abuse allegations in 2013, Welby reportedly failed to ensure they were thoroughly investigated, which critics say represents a missed opportunity to bring Smyth to justice.
The Makin Review found that Church officials at the highest level had known about the abuse since 1982 and participated in an active cover-up, enabling Smyth to continue abusing victims in Zimbabwe and South Africa until his death in 2018.
The Church's leadership has fundamentally failed to protect vulnerable individuals and maintain moral authority through decades of institutional cover-up and inaction. The Archbishop's failure to act decisively in 2013 makes his position untenable and demands immediate accountability through resignation.
The Church of England has a record of actioning significant reforms in response to safeguarding abuses. Support and redress schemes, safeguarding officers, and information-sharing agreements are just some of the systems used within the organization to keep vulnerable people safe. The Church should be left to determine what internal action is necessary in response to these horrendous revelations.