Ex-banker Archbishop steps down: Church management style raises questions

The shift from Rowan Williams scholarly approach to Justin Welbys corporate style marked a big change in church leadership; Williams preferred quiet study while Welby brought business-like methods to the role (which changed how local parishes worked)

His early days looked good: coming from banking world helped him push through women-bishops rules about 11 years ago. The ex-banker turned church-leader seemed right for post-financial crisis times; however his past held some un-expected surprises. Around 8 years ago he found out about his real dad – Churchills aide – which later connected him to slave-trade history

The John Smyth case became the main issue that led to his exit. Back in the 80s Welby was part of private-school Christian camps where Smyth hurt young men. Though un-ordained then his later role as top church person made his slow response to abuse info a big problem: when he got the job in 13 files about these crimes sat on his desk but he didnt act till media showed everything 4 years later

Some church-folk say leaders have too much work but critics point to other things:

• Many trips abroad
• Less focus on local church needs
• Too much time with world-wide religious meetings
• Not enough care for basic parish problems

While Welby did good things like managing the Queens funeral last year his time showed how top-down church control doesnt work well. The next leader needs to think more about regular church-goers needs – maybe focusing less on world stage stuff and more on local matters