Archbishop of Canterbury Faces Calls to Resign Amid Church Abuse Scandal

Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, Urges Justin Welby to Step Down After Damning Report on Abuse

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, is under pressure to resign after a report criticized his handling of abuse allegations against John Smyth, a prolific abuser associated with the Church of England.

Smyth is believed to have abused over 100 boys and young men from the 1970s to the 2010s in the UK and Africa.

A 2023 report found that Welby did not adequately follow up on reports of Smyth's abuse presented to him in 2013.

Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley, the most senior Church figure to call for Welby's resignation, stated that his departure could signify a commitment to independent safeguarding.

The report, known as the Makin Review, suggested that Smyth could have been brought to justice prior to his 2018 death had action been taken sooner.

The Church of England is criticized for knowing but failing to report Smyth's abuse to authorities, missing the opportunity to prevent further harm.

Allegations were first highlighted in a 2017 documentary by Channel 4, which led to an investigation by Hampshire Police.

The call for Welby’s resignation is backed by over 7,000 signatures and supported by members of the Church’s General Synod.

Critics argue that the Church prioritized reputation over victim welfare.

Meanwhile, former victims, such as Anglican priest Giles Fraser, called for Welby to resign, sharing their traumatic experiences of abuse.

Despite the controversy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the matter was internal to the Church.

Welby expressed deep regret over the abuse and acknowledged his past failures.