Archbishop of Canterbury Resigns Amid Safeguarding Failures
(Photo: Church of England)
The Church of England is set to undergo significant changes following the resignation of its leader, Archbishop Justin Welby. The decision comes in the wake of the Makin Report, which revealed that Welby did not report the abusive actions of the late QC John Smyth to the authorities, despite being aware of them since 2013. The report has led to claims of a cover-up within the Church.
In a statement about his resignation, Archbishop Welby acknowledged his responsibility, both personally and institutionally, for the shortcomings and expressed that stepping down is in the Church’s best interest.
Joanne Grenfell, the Church of England’s lead bishop for safeguarding, emphasized the necessity of “wholesale changes” within the Church in response to Welby’s departure. She remarked, “With sadness, I fully respect and understand Archbishop Justin’s decision today to resign. Although Archbishop Justin has helped the Church of England to achieve much in relation to safeguarding during his tenure, because of the failings identified in the Makin Report, it is now necessary for others to take up the baton.”
Grenfell further stressed that safeguarding is a collective responsibility within the Church, stating that the Archbishop’s resignation “does not absolve” the Church from implementing essential changes. She added, “Of course, the responsibility for good safeguarding in the Church of England lies with every one of us. Archbishop Justin’s resignation does not change that, and his decision today does not absolve any of us from bringing about the wholesale changes in culture and leadership that are essential in every part of the Church.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
