Archbishop Justin Welby will retire from his post at midnight tonight, starting a potentially long-term search for a new leader in the Church of England and, indirectly, its Anglican partner worldwide. The election may take some time, though not before this autumn.
Welby’s resignation comes after an independent review into his handling of the John Smyth abuse case. Smyth was a leading barrister and Christian camp leader who abused about 130 boys and young men over five decades. The review concluded that Smyth could have faced justice had Welby reported him to the police in 2013.
Welby’s sudden resignation has stirred a crisis for the Church after calls for his successor, York Archbishop Stephen Cottrell to step down himself over another child abuse case for which he apologized. Welby has not since been seen publically since releasing his resignation November and did not give the traditional sermon on Christmas day.
His final day will also be the moment he seals the end of his tenure: as part of Evensong service at Lambeth Palace, he will be leaving his bishop’s crozier, symbolising this fact.
Welby’s successor will be selected under the watch of former UK spy chief, Lord Evans of Weardale, and the Crown Nominations Commission. The voting members in the CNC are 17 in number and will consist of five members from the worldwide Anglican Church, which is usually conservative. The commission will hold a number of meetings and selection requires a two-thirds majority. King Charles will make the final appointment.
The CNC has just recently failed to agree on anything, reflecting divisions within the Church that have continued. Meanwhile, most of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s formal work will be taken care of by Cottrell and Bishop of London Sarah Mullally.
