In recent developments, abuse survivors have intensified their calls for additional resignations within the Church of England following a shocking revelation that led to the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. This demand arises from a newly released report detailing the failings of church leadership in addressing allegations against John Smyth, a notorious child abuser associated with the church. The report explicitly criticized Welby for not reporting Smyth’s abuses, which were revealed to him in 2013, to the relevant authorities, and concluded that his inaction constituted a significant oversite.
The report suggests that Welby, who is regarded as the highest-ranking bishop in the Church of England, failed to act on credible allegations of abuse that had existed for decades. Smyth was known to have attacked numerous boys during the 1970s and 1980s, including those attending Christian camps across the UK. The Church authorities were alerted to these allegations, but the report asserts that they missed a critical opportunity to bring Smyth to justice before he passed away in 2018. As significant organizational failings within the church come to light, both the findings and the reactions from the community are drawing attention to the pressing need for accountability.
Julie Conalty, the Church’s deputy lead bishop for safeguarding, has publicly recognized the possibility that more resignations are warranted. During a recent appearance on BBC Radio 4’s “Today” program, she acknowledged that the church may still be an “unsafe institution,” alluding to the ongoing challenges of safeguarding within its ranks. Conalty emphasized the need for a central focus on victims and survivors, highlighting a systemic issue where the institution has not prioritized these concerns in handling abuse allegations.
Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York and the second most senior figure after Welby, supported the call for accountability, admitting that some individuals within the church acted to cover up abuse. Cottrell stated that these individuals must now be held accountable for their actions and reaffirmed that institutional trust has been severely compromised. While addressing whether further resignations were necessary, he clarified that those responsible for the cover-up were indeed not bishops.
The significance of institutional response to allegations plays a crucial role in healing and justice for survivors. Many survivors feel that the reactions from the church so far have been insufficient. Mark Stibbe, a former vicar and author who has critiqued the church’s handling of abuse, expressed optimism about Welby’s resignation while simultaneously advocating for further accountability among senior clergy. He stated that those who have remained silent about allegations and failed to speak up should also face consequences, emphasizing that accountability is not purely about resignation but about taking responsible action when needed.
Further adding to the demand for accountability, Richard Gittins, another survivor, articulated the pressing need for questioning bishops who have historically retained information about abuse rather than disclosing it. The pattern of silence and inaction, as highlighted by both Stibbe and Gittins, raises serious questions about the church’s internal culture and its commitment to safeguarding vulnerable congregants.
These developments highlight the urgent need for reform within the Church of England and underscore the continuing fight for justice by abuse survivors. The institution must grapple with its past failings to effectively support victims and ensure that similar injustices do not recur in the future. The public outcry for systemic change reveals not only a desire for justice regarding past abuses but also aspirations for a future wherein the church prioritizes the safety and well-being of its community, creating a trustworthy environment for worship and spiritual guidance.
