Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has announced his decision to step down on January 6, citing his resignation following a critical report on the Church’s handling of a serial abuse case.
Welby faced mounting calls to resign after an independent investigation revealed he “could and should” have reported decades of abuse by a Church-associated lawyer back in 2013. Last week, he confirmed his resignation, with his office stating on Wednesday that he plans to complete his official duties by Epiphany, coinciding with his 69th birthday.
A statement from Lambeth Palace outlined that the Archbishop would scale back public appearances leading up to his departure, honoring only a few remaining commitments. From January, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell will take over Welby’s official responsibilities.
The damning report, known as the Makin Review, detailed the “prolific, brutal, and horrific” abuse carried out by John Smyth, a lawyer who organized evangelical camps in the 1970s and 1980s. The abuse, involving as many as 130 boys and young men, spanned Britain, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
The investigation revealed that the Church of England not only failed to address the abuse but actively concealed the “traumatic physical, sexual, psychological, and spiritual attacks” over several decades.
Welby, who became Archbishop in 2013, has apologized for the Church’s failure but initially resisted calls to resign, claiming he was unaware of the abuses before his appointment. However, the Makin Review concluded that senior Church figures, including Welby, were informed of the abuse from mid-2013 but failed to report it to the police, missing a critical opportunity for justice.
The search for Welby’s successor will now begin, with the Crown Nominations Committee responsible for advising the King on the appointment. The process is expected to take several months.
