Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigned following a report that exposed the Church of England’s cover-up of sexual abuse by barrister John Smyth. The independent Makin review revealed Smyth’s abuse of up to 130 boys and young men. Welby acknowledged institutional failures and personal responsibility for the Church’s inaction.
In a dramatic turn of events, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has resigned following the release of the Makin review, which exposed the Church of England’s handling of abuse allegations against barrister John Smyth QC. Smyth, who preyed on young boys and men across three countries over five decades, inflicted severe physical, psychological, and sexual harm on up to 130 victims, including minors in the UK and Africa.
The report revealed that Welby had been informed of the abuse in 2013 but failed to take immediate action, believing that the matter had been appropriately handled after police were notified. However, the report concluded that a proper investigation and legal action could have been pursued earlier, potentially bringing Smyth to justice.
Welby, in his resignation letter, acknowledged the Church’s failures, apologizing for its prolonged silence and lack of action. “I have decided to resign... I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and re-traumatizing period between 2013 and 2024,” Welby wrote. He expressed deep regret over the Church’s inability to implement necessary safeguarding improvements, despite his years-long efforts.
Smyth died in 2018 before he could face trial for his actions, which were uncovered too late to bring justice.
This resignation marks a pivotal moment for the Church of England as it grapples with its handling of child abuse cases and the need for institutional reform.
