Calls for Resignation of Archbishop Following Abuse Report

On Monday, a prominent bishop from the Church of England publicly urged the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby. This demand comes just days after an independent report revealed serious shortcomings in the archbishop’s handling of allegations related to sadistic abuse that occurred decades ago at Christian summer camps.

The report, released last week, detailed the horrific abuse endured by over 100 boys and young men, which began in the 1970s, at the hands of John Smyth, a well-known British lawyer. It found that the Church of England had been aware of these allegations since July 2013, particularly at the highest levels, yet failed to act appropriately.

Archbishop Welby, who took on his role in March 2013, was made aware of the claims against Smyth by August of that same year. According to the report, the archbishop should have ensured that Smyth was reported to the police in 2013. Such action could have potentially triggered a comprehensive investigation, revealing the extensive nature of the abuses across the UK, involving numerous victims, and possibly leading to a conviction against Smyth. Tragically, Smyth passed away in 2018 while in South Africa.

The review strongly criticized the responses from various individuals within the Church. It stated, “Despite the efforts of some individuals to bring the abuse to the attention of authorities, the responses by the Church of England and others were wholly ineffective and amounted to a cover-up.”

In light of Mr. Makin’s findings, Archbishop Welby issued a statement acknowledging his failures. He remarked, “I had no idea or suspicion of this abuse before 2013. Nevertheless, the review is clear that I personally failed to ensure that after disclosure in 2013 the awful tragedy was energetically investigated.” The archbishop reiterated his earlier apologies, particularly for not meeting with victims more promptly after the disturbing revelations came to light during a 2017 Channel 4 investigation.