An independent report criticizes Archbishop Justin Welby for inadequate response to abuse cases.
Bishop Urges Resignation of Archbishop Over Abuse Report Fallout
Bishop Urges Resignation of Archbishop Over Abuse Report Fallout
Calls for action intensify as report reveals mishandling of historical abuse cases
The Most Rev. Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, is facing mounting pressure to resign following a recent report highlighting severe failures in addressing decades-old abuse allegations tied to Christian summer camps. The report, released last week, indicates that Archbishop Welby did not take appropriate action after becoming aware of the sadistic abuse inflicted on over 100 boys and young men by John Smyth, a prominent lawyer, who was alleged to have been active in the 1970s.
The Church of England was reportedly aware of abuse claims at a senior level as early as July 2013, well before Welby took office that same year. However, by August 2013, when Welby learned of these allegations, he failed to escalate the matter to the police, a move that could have led to a thorough investigation and potential convictions. Smyth passed away in 2018 in South Africa without facing justice.
Critics have condemned the Church's response to the mounting allegations, claiming it amounted to a coverup. The report pointed out that, despite various attempts by individuals to alert authorities, the Church's actions were insufficient to protect victims or hold abusers accountable. In his response to the findings, Archbishop Welby expressed regret, stating he did not suspect the abuse prior to 2013 but takes responsibility for not ensuring a comprehensive investigation once the allegations were disclosed. He reiterated a previous apology for failing to meet with victims promptly following a 2017 Channel 4 investigation that brought the abuse case to light.
The Church of England was reportedly aware of abuse claims at a senior level as early as July 2013, well before Welby took office that same year. However, by August 2013, when Welby learned of these allegations, he failed to escalate the matter to the police, a move that could have led to a thorough investigation and potential convictions. Smyth passed away in 2018 in South Africa without facing justice.
Critics have condemned the Church's response to the mounting allegations, claiming it amounted to a coverup. The report pointed out that, despite various attempts by individuals to alert authorities, the Church's actions were insufficient to protect victims or hold abusers accountable. In his response to the findings, Archbishop Welby expressed regret, stating he did not suspect the abuse prior to 2013 but takes responsibility for not ensuring a comprehensive investigation once the allegations were disclosed. He reiterated a previous apology for failing to meet with victims promptly following a 2017 Channel 4 investigation that brought the abuse case to light.
