Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the leader of the Anglican Church, has announced his resignation following criticism over the Church of England’s handling of abuse cases. His departure is set for January 6, 2025, a year earlier than planned.
Welby’s decision comes after an independent report, the Makin Review, revealed failures in addressing decades of abuse by John Smyth, a lawyer linked to the Church. Smyth was found guilty of orchestrating “prolific, brutal, and horrific” abuse against over 130 boys and young men during the 1970s and 1980s.
The report concluded that Church leaders, including Welby, were aware of the crimes as early as 2013 but failed to alert the authorities, missing a critical chance to bring Smyth to justice.
In a statement from Lambeth Palace, it was confirmed that Welby will step down on the Feast of Epiphany, January 6, 2025. Until then, he will fulfill limited public commitments.
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, Welby’s deputy, will take over official duties until a new Archbishop is appointed by King Charles III on the recommendation of the Crown Nominations Committee.
The report uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse and cover-ups spanning decades and multiple countries, including Britain, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The abuse, described as involving severe physical, sexual, and psychological harm, was enabled by systemic failures within the Church of England.
Appointed in 2013, Welby had previously apologized for the Church’s shortcomings but maintained he was unaware of the abuse until it was too late. However, the Makin Review’s findings have intensified calls for accountability at all levels of the Church.
This resignation marks a turning point for the Anglican Church, as it grapples with addressing its role in one of its most significant scandals.
