Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby Resigns Amid John Smyth Abuse Scandal, Makin Review

Nov 12, 2024, 02:09 PM

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and leader of the global Anglican Communion, has announced his resignation following mounting pressure and a damning report revealing the Church of England's cover-up of serial abuse by John Smyth. The report, known as the Makin Review, exposed that the Church failed to take appropriate action against Smyth, who abused over 100 boys and young men at Christian summer camps. Welby admitted to failing to ensure a proper investigation in 2013 and expressed sorrow over the scandal. His resignation follows calls from senior church members and public figures, including a statement from Keir Starmer, who said the victims were 'very badly let down.' The scandal has significantly tarnished the reputation of the Church of England, highlighting systemic failures in addressing and preventing abuse, affecting its 85 million Anglicans worldwide.