Church of England's top leader steps down amid shocking abuse case findings
Church of England faces major shake-up as Archbishop of Canterbury resigns over mishandled abuse case from about 10 years ago. More church officials face pressure to step down as investigation reveals missed opportunities
In a ground-breaking turn of events Justin Welby‚ the Archbishop of Canterbury left his post on nov-12-2024 after a damaging review of a child-abuse case handling
The Makin review pointed out that abuse by John Smyth couldve been stopped earlier; if proper steps were taken when info first reached the church (around 2013) The Archbishop accepted his part in this long-drawn situation saying he “must take personal and institutional responsibility“
Several other church leaders face pressure to resign - including Stephen Conway the Bishop of Lincoln who had a key-role in the case. An un-named victim stated that Conway was in a position to make things happen but didnt take needed steps; while another survivor Andrew Morse backed these statements
- Dr Jo Bailey Wells former chaplain who didnt follow-up with police
- Stephen Conway who missed important chances to act
- Sue Colman who supported Smyth financially
I cannot see how someone so closely associated with the problem can be part of any solution
Dr Bailey Wells tried to explain her position: “When I was asked to bring this matter to his attention I had confidence that it was being overseen elsewhere“ but she admitted regretting not checking more carefully. The Bishop of Lincolnʼs response showed similar regret: he believed hed done enough based on rules back then - but now sees he couldve done more
The scandal has brought up questions about how church leaders dealt with info they had; showing problems in their response to serious allegations (spanning almost 4 decades)
