Archbishop of Canterbury Faces Rising Calls for Resignation Amid Church Abuse Scandal

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is facing increasing calls to step down after a report revealed failures in the Church of England’s handling of child abuse. Members of the General Synod have launched a petition urging his immediate resignation following the release of an independent review detailing the church’s response to abuse by John Smyth, a former British barrister accused of severe physical and sexual abuse involving around 130 boys and young men from the 1970s until his death in 2018.

The Makin Report, published on November 7, highlighted the “appalling” acts committed by Smyth, regarded as one of the most egregious abusers linked to the church. It stated that while Archbishop Welby may not have known the full scale of the abuse, he was “likely aware” of concerns regarding Smyth’s actions. The report noted that it could not determine if Welby was aware of the abuse prior to 2013.

Although church officials were first notified in 1982, Welby, who joined in 1993, has insisted he did not learn of the abuse until 2013. He acknowledged his personal failure to ensure a thorough investigation at that time but stated he has no plans to resign. He also expressed regret for not meeting with victims sooner.

Petition organizers argue that Archbishop Welby has “lost the trust of his clergy” and claim it is untenable for him to continue in his position, stressing that the church must restore confidence in its leadership.