Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury for 11 years, formally relinquished his post at midnight, marking the end of his tenure. The transition sees Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, taking temporary charge. Welby's resignation, announced in November, followed an independent review raising questions about his handling of a significant abuse case.
Welby's final day was filled with official events, including a symbolic laying down of his ceremonial staff. The review found that a prominent serial abuser within the Church might have been prosecuted sooner had Welby acted on allegations in 2013.
The handover also involves a shift in responsibilities for official functions. Bishop of London Dame Sarah Mullally and Bishop of Dover Rose Hudson-Wilkin will assume some of the Archbishop's duties.
However, Cottrell's appointment has not been without controversy. Recent revelations about a priest's re-appointment under Cottrell's tenure as Bishop of Chelmsford have triggered calls for his resignation. Cottrell acknowledged procedural missteps but pledged to pursue independent safeguarding scrutiny.
The Church of England faces mounting pressure for comprehensive safeguarding reform. Survivors, like Lucy Duckworth of The Survivors Trust, express deep concern about the ongoing lack of trust and the need for complete reform in the Church's handling of child abuse. They advocate for independent safeguarding measures, a vote on which is scheduled for the upcoming Church Synod.
The search for Welby's successor is expected to be a lengthy process, with a potential announcement of a new Archbishop possible in the fall. The ongoing debate over safeguarding within the Church of England highlights significant challenges for the institution in addressing its past failures and fostering trust.
