London – Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will step down from his position on Monday, following an investigation that found he failed to report known child abuse by a volunteer at church summer camps. The report, the Makin Review, concluded Welby's failure to report the abuse to authorities in 2013 was a significant lapse.
Welby's resignation, announced in November, follows an independent investigation into the abuse perpetrated by the late John Smyth, who was found to have sexually, physically, and psychologically abused dozens of young men and boys over decades.
The 251-page report detailed how Welby learned of Smyth's crimes soon after taking office but did not report them to the police. This failure, the review asserts, allowed the abuse to continue. The inaction sparked significant public criticism of a lack of accountability within the Church of England.
Welby's departure comes amidst a history of widespread abuse within the Church of England. A 2022 report underscored a culture within the church that prioritized perpetrators over victims, creating an environment where abuse could go unchecked.
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, a role with significant influence despite not having direct governing power over its 165 constituent churches. His successor, Stephen Cottrell, will assume most of Welby's official duties.
