Archbishop Justin Welby Resigns Amid Cover-Up of Abuse Scandal Involving Over 100 Victims

The resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby, the global head of the Anglican Church, follows a devastating and highly critical review of the Church's handling of abuse allegations involving John Smyth, a British lawyer who abused over 100 boys and young men during the 1970s and 1980s. Despite multiple attempts by individuals to bring the abuse to light, the Church's response was marked by inaction and cover-up, with senior leaders, including Welby, failing to take appropriate action even after the allegations were brought to their attention.

Smyth, who led Christian summer camps, preyed on vulnerable young men in various countries, and the abuse spanned several decades. He died in South Africa in 2018 without ever facing legal consequences. In the review, it was revealed that Welby was first made aware of the abuse allegations in 2013, but his response was seen as insufficient and lacked the rigor required to properly investigate and protect future victims.

The revelation that Welby failed to act decisively has led to public outcry, including from survivors of Smyth's abuse. Andrew Morse, one of the victims, has sharply criticized Welby's handling of the situation, saying that had the Archbishop taken swift and thorough action in 2013, further abuse could have been prevented. Morse believes that Welby's admission of failing to act more decisively is tantamount to acknowledging complicity in a cover-up.

The resignation comes amid growing anger from victims and other church leaders. Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley of Newcastle highlighted the erosion of trust in the Church of England, stating that, at present, the Church cannot be trusted to keep its members safe.

This scandal has put the Anglican Church under intense scrutiny, especially regarding how it handles allegations of abuse and protects those in its care. The Church now faces the difficult task of rebuilding trust and addressing the systemic failures exposed by this review.