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Fall of Archbishop Justin Welby: A Reflection on Leadership and Accountability in the Church of England

Published November 19, 2024
3 months ago

The resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby marks a historic and tumultuous chapter in the annals of the Church of England (CofE). The departure of a senior primate over a scandal, a rarity historically, underscores the critical need for accountability and transparency within religious institutions, magnified in the tragic context of the John Smyth abuse case.





In a disturbing revelation, the independent Makin report delineated how John Smyth, a barrister enabled by the Church, committed atrocious acts against over a hundred adolescents for decades. These heinous actions began in England, with the trail of abuse stretching over to Zimbabwe and South Africa. The church's failure in the 1980s to effectively address allegations enabled Smyth to evade justice, a grave oversight that only ceased with his death in 2018.


This scandal erupted during Justin Welby’s tenure, bringing his leadership qualities into harsh light. Despite his modern managerial approach, honed in his previous corporate roles, Welby's handling of the crisis fell short. His admission of awareness in 2013, post his installment as the Archbishop of Canterbury, and subsequent lack of thorough action, drew severe criticism. Accusations of “a distinct lack of curiosity” and minimizing the allegations per the Makin Review, put his capabilities into question.


The response to Welby's handling of the situation was swift and severe. Amidst mounting pressure from various fronts, including the Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the public's outcry, Welby tendered his resignation. He cited “personal and institutional responsibility”, acknowledging the overarching institutional failures that had ripple effects across continents.


This incident encapsulates not just a personal failure but an institutional debacle that echoes past shortcomings within the CofE and other religious entities globally. The parallels drawn with other institutional failings, such as the mishandled Post Office scandal, underscore a pervasive issue in leadership and accountability.


Reform within such entities remains sluggish, as seen with the Church Times' critique of the CofE’s tepid response to safeguarding recommendations spanning over four decades. The dissolution of the CofE’s Independent Safeguarding Board in 2023 due to internal conflicts exemplifies ongoing challenges within the church’s governance structures.


The broader implications of Welby’s resignation resonate deeply within the Anglican community and the societal fabric of the UK. The potential fracturing of the worldwide Anglican Communion, debates over the role of bishops in a reformed House of Lords, and questions about the disestablishment of the church highlight the extensive societal and political ramifications tied to this religious upheaval.


As the search commences for new leadership, the upcoming head of the Church of England faces a formidable task. They must navigate deep-seated divides, restore faith in the institution, and implement effective reforms—a daunting yet essential endeavor to salvage the church’s integrity and relevance.


In essence, Archbishop Justin Welby’s resignation is a profound moment of reckoning for the Church of England. It reflects the pressing need for evolved leadership that not only preaches moral accountability but also robustly enforces it, ensuring such grievous failings are never repeated.


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