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Over 130 Victims: Calls Mount for Archbishop Justin Welby's Resignation Over Child Abuse Cover-Up

Nov 11, 2024, 06:43 PM

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is facing mounting pressure to resign following a damning report that revealed the Church of England covered up abuse by John Smyth QC, one of its most prolific abusers who targeted more than 130 boys and young men. The abuse, which was described as an 'open secret', continued until Smyth's death in 2018. A senior bishop, the Bishop of Newcastle, has publicly called for Welby's resignation, stating his position is "untenable" after his failure to act on the allegations when he became aware of them in 2013. Welby has admitted he 'considered' resigning but survivors and members of the clergy feel his apology is insufficient. Petitions demanding his resignation have gathered over 5,000 signatures. Political leaders, including the Prime Minister and Keir Starmer, have declined to support Welby, further isolating him. Critics argue that Welby failed to report the abuse to the police and prioritized the reputation of the Church over the safety of children. Mark Stibbe, a survivor of Smyth's abuse, has called for Welby's resignation, stating that the Archbishop put his reputation above victims.