Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has resigned from his position. This came after he faced serious backlash for not reporting a child abuser to the authorities. The review of the church’s handling of this abuse case revealed shocking details. It showed that Welby knew about the abuse by John Smyth since 2013 but chose to stay silent.
Who Was John Smyth?
John Smyth was a British barrister. He also led a Christian charity called Evan Trust. He is accused of abusing many boys over several decades. Reports say that he attacked up to 130 victims in total. This included around 30 boys at his home in Winchester during the 1970s and 1980s. After this, he moved to Africa. There, he abused about 85 to 100 male children aged between 13 and 17 years.
The Timeline of Abuse
The saga of Smyth’s abuse began in England in the 1970s. He was investigated by the charity trust in 1982. A report was submitted to some church leaders then. However, after that, he left the country in 1984 and moved to Zimbabwe.
For many years, the story of Smyth’s abuse faded from public view. It took almost 30 years for it to resurface. A victim of Smyth wrote a letter to the church officer. This officer was also a victim of Smyth’s abuse. This letter brought the issue back into light.
Failure to Act
Justin Welby became aware of Smyth’s abuse in 2013. However, he decided not to act on it. Between 2013 and 2016, five police officers were informed about the abuse. But no formal complaint was lodged until a documentary exposed Smyth’s actions to the public.
John Smyth lived in Africa from 1984 until his death in Cape Town in 2018. Even though he was under investigation by British police, he never faced any criminal charges during his lifetime.
The Impact of the Review
The review committee revealed that Welby’s silence allowed Smyth to continue his abuse. Many victims have spoken out, calling for accountability. They feel that Welby’s inaction was a betrayal. The church’s handling of such cases has been criticized for years, and this review only highlighted the problems.
Welby’s Response and Resignation
Amid the growing pressure, Welby acknowledged that he must take responsibility. He stated that his decision to step down was in the best interests of the Church of England. He has served the church for many years and expressed deep sorrow over the situation.
His resignation is seen by many as a necessary step towards healing. Victims of Smyth’s abuse have called for change within the church. They believe that Welby’s resignation could help start the process of rebuilding trust.
Looking to the Future
The Church of England now faces a critical moment. With Welby’s departure, there is an opportunity for change. Many hope that the church will take stronger steps to protect children. It is vital that the church learns from this painful history.
The review of the church’s handling of abuse cases is a wake-up call. It shows how important it is to listen to victims. The church must ensure that such failures do not happen again. It is crucial to create a safe environment for all.
Conclusion
Justin Welby’s resignation is a significant moment for the Church of England. It highlights the need for accountability and change. As the church moves forward, many will be watching closely. They hope for a future where all children are safe and heard.