The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has announced his resignation in the wake of a report that revealed the Church of England’s mishandling of sexual abuse allegations against the late barrister John Smyth QC. Smyth, who died in 2018 while under investigation, is accused of abusing as many as 130 boys and young men over five decades across the UK and Africa.
The independent Makin review, released last week, detailed a pattern of severe physical, sexual, psychological, and spiritual abuse committed by Smyth, whose victims suffered lasting trauma. The report further indicated that Smyth might have been prosecuted if Justin Welby had reported the allegations to police a decade ago. Instead, the Church’s delayed response has raised deep concerns about institutional cover-ups and failures in safeguarding.
In a statement today, Archbishop Welby expressed his sorrow and regret, stating, “Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign.” He acknowledged the profound impact of the report on survivors and their families and reiterated the Church’s commitment to transparency and reform.
Smyth’s actions were uncovered as part of a broader investigation by Hampshire Police, which unfortunately concluded after his death at age 75 in Cape Town. The report emphasizes that Smyth’s victims, who were often subjected to physical beatings and spiritual manipulation, had their lives irrevocably altered by the abuse.
Welby’s resignation brings a momentous chapter to a close as the Church of England faces ongoing scrutiny over safeguarding practices and a renewed commitment to supporting survivors. The Church has promised reforms to ensure that future reports of abuse are properly managed and promptly reported to authorities.
