Church of England head Justin Welby under pressure to resign amid abuse scandal
Associated PressNOV 18 2024
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.After last week suggesting he wouldn't resign, Justin Welby has stepped down as Archbishop of Canterbury. This comes following the publication of a damning report, suggesting Welby failed to act when informed over a decade ago of abuses committed by barrister John Smyth.
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.Smyth reportedly abused approximately 130 boys and young men, subjecting them to brutal physical, psychological, and sexual attacks spanning five decades across three countries.
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.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.
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