Archbishop Justin Welby, the spiritual leader of the Church of England's approximately 85 million people, has come under increasing pressure to resign after reports of an abuse cover-up by his institution. “I am deeply saddened that in places where young men and boys should feel safe and feel God's love, they are subjected to physical, sexual, mental and emotional abuse,” the priest wrote in a statement.
Last week, a report was published in England that alleged that a local church covered up acts of violence against boys and young men. The document, among other things, described lawyer John Smith, who ran summer camps for young Christians, as a serial abuser with the Church of England. According to this report, Smith, who died in 2018, was responsible for the brutal abuse, such as flogging of at least 115 children and young people in England, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Archbishop Welby said he had “no knowledge or suspicion” of the allegations before 2013. However, the report found it unlikely that the archbishop knew about John Smith in the 1980s.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby Picture dated 4 June 2024PAP/EPA/Rodrigo Sura
Welby: I'm very sorry
Three members of the highest authority of the Church of England, the General Synod, decided to appeal to Welby's resignation. According to Reuters, more than 2,900 signatures have been collected in this petition so far.
The Archbishop of Canterbury admitted in a statement: “I am deeply saddened that in places where young men and boys should feel safe and feel the love of God, they are subjected to physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual abuse.”
The priest apologized for “mistakes and confusion” in properly investigating the allegations, especially after Britain's Channel 4 revealed the full extent of the abuse in 2017. Welby admitted to this broadcaster that he had considered resigning, but insisted he had no knowledge of the abuse. In a statement, he said he had personally failed because he had neglected to investigate the matter.
Helen-Ann Hartley, a bishop in the Church of England, said Welby's position was now untenable. He said that it is very difficult for this religious institution to remain a moral voice in the country. The reason is said to be an inability to organize “the affairs of one's own home in relation to something of key importance”.
The Anglican Communion includes about 85 million people in more than 165 countries. It is the third largest Christian denomination in the world.
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/Rodrigo Sura
