Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, leader of the Church of England (CofE) and the World Anglican Communion, has resigned following backlash over an abuse cover-up scandal. According to christian postMr Welby announced his resignation in a statement posted on the CofE's website on Tuesday, saying he had received “the generous permission of Charles III” to step down.
“The Makin' Review has exposed a long-standing conspiracy of silence about John Smith's heinous abuses,” Mr Welby said. “When I was informed that a police report had been filed in 2013, I mistakenly believed that a proper resolution was awaiting me.”
“It is clear that I must take personal and organizational responsibility for the long and traumatic period from 2013 to 2024.”
The former archbishop said he hopes this decision “reveals how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our deep commitment to building a safer Church.” said.
“The last few days have renewed the deep sense of shame I have felt for many years at the historic security failures of the Church of England. For nearly 12 years I have struggled to introduce improvements. “It's up to others to judge what was done,” he said.
“In the meantime, I remain committed to meeting with victims and intend to delegate all other current safeguarding responsibilities until the necessary risk assessment processes have been completed.”
Mr Welby believed his resignation was “in the best interests of the Church of England” and prayed that “this decision returns us to the love that Jesus Christ has for each of us”. .
Earlier this month, an independent investigation released a report entitled “The Makin Report,” in which a man named John Shins investigated over 100 boys and young adult men who attended Christian camps in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It became clear that there was a high possibility that he had been abused.
Mr Shinsu died in 2018 at the age of 75 while living in Zimbabwe, and British authorities are reportedly planning to extradite him to the UK to face charges.
“Despite the enormous efforts of individuals, including victims and some clergy, to inform the relevant authorities of the scope and horror of Smith’s conduct, no action was taken by the Church of England or other organizations or individuals. “The measures taken were ineffective and neither fully exposed nor prevented further abuse by him,” the investigation report said. episcopal news service.
Welby was widely criticized at the time for failing to take appropriate action when allegations of abuse were first reported to him and other church leaders in 2013. online petition A campaign calling for Mr Welby's resignation has been launched, gathering nearly 15,000 signatures.
“Given his role in allowing the abuse to continue, we believe it is no longer acceptable for him to continue as Archbishop of Canterbury. We are committed to supporting survivors and protecting vulnerable people. We must see change for the sake of the people and the good of the Church,” the petition states.
“Sadly, if we are to begin the process of change and healing now, we see no other option than his immediate resignation.”
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