Archbishop of Canterbury resigns – live: Welby quits as he admits ‘profound shame’ over church child sex abuse

The Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned after a damning report found he failed to alert police about sexual abuse allegations made against a barrister associated with the Church of England.

Justin Welby had been facing growing pressure to stand down over his “failures” to alert authorities about John Smyth QC’s “abhorrent” abuse of children and young men.

Smyth is said to have subjected as many as 130 boys and young men to traumatic physical, sexual and psychological abuse over five decades in the UK and Africa.

Mr Welby was made aware of the allegations in 2013 – but did not report them to police after he was told authorities had already been notified.

The Makin review into Smyth’s abuse, published last week, concluded that he might have been brought to justice had Mr Welby formally reported it to police.

Mr Welby has said it was “very clear I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024.”

He said: “The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England. I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England.”

Key points

• ‘I am deeply sorry’, says Bishop who knew of Smyth abuse

• Who will be the next Archbishop of Canterbury?

• Starmer says he respects Welby’s decision

• Key dates in the John Smyth scandal

• Welby’s resignation statement in full

‘I am deeply sorry’, says Bishop who knew of Smyth abuse

Tuesday 12 November 2024 21:01 , Alex Croft

Stephen Conway, the current Bishop of Lincoln who was told about details of John Smyth’s abuse when he was the Bishop of Ely in 2013, has said he is “deeply sorry” for his role in not “rigorously pursuing” the John Smyth case after reporting it to Lambeth Palace.

In a statement, Mr Conway said he welcomes the Makin Review about the “failings of individuals and institutions”.

“As soon as I became involved, my priority was to provide support for those victims and survivors in connection with the Diocese of Ely,” he continued.

“As part of my submission to the review, I confirmed that during my tenure as the Bishop of Ely, I received a disclosure about John Smyth.

“Once it became clear that there was an international dimension which directly affected another province of the Anglican Communion, I made a detailed disclosure to Lambeth Palace and contacted the relevant diocese in South Africa to alert them to the issue.

“It was my understanding that this matter was reported to the police in Cambridgeshire and duly passed on to the police in Hampshire where the abuse had occurred.

“I am clear that I did all within my authority as a bishop of the Church of England, bearing in mind that I had no authority over an entirely independent province on another continent.

“I acknowledge fully that my fault was in not rigorously pursuing Lambeth about that province-to-province communication, and for this I am deeply sorry.”

John Smyth victim says Welby has done ‘right thing’

Tuesday 12 November 2024 20:31 , Alex Croft

One of John Smyth’s victims has said Archbishop Justin Welby has “done the right thing” by resigning.

Former vicar and author Mark Stibbe told Channel 4 News: “I think that he’s done the right thing and that’s what we as survivors, as victims of John Smyth, have been asking for right from the very beginning when you broke the story in 2017.

“We asked for the Archbishop of Canterbury, who we knew knew about the abuses in 2013, and the Bishop of Ely and other senior figures in the Church of England to do the right thing, and Justin Welby has done the right thing.

“He has admitted that at a personal and at an institutional level we have been failed and other people can see that.

“Everyone can see that, including the Prime Minister who said today that as victims we have been very badly failed.

“So I applaud Justin Welby for resigning but what I think the survivor group would like is more resignations because that means more accountability, people taking responsibility for having been silent when they should have spoken.”

Nigel Farage celebrates Welby’s resignation

Tuesday 12 November 2024 20:00 , Alex Croft

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has responded to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s resignation, after previously calling for him to resign.

“Archbishop Welby has gone, thank the Lord,” he wrote on X. “Perhaps the Anglican Church will now appoint a leader that believes in Christian values?”

Why has the Archbishop of Canterbury had to resign?

Tuesday 12 November 2024 19:27 , Sean O’Grady

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has resigned over allegations – some of which he has accepted – that he failed to act against a prolific and sadistic paedophile, John Smyth, who had been associated with the Church of England for decades. A number of Welby’s more senior colleagues had openly called for him to stand down, while others remained silent, and the general unease had become deafening.

A petition to remove him from his post – though strictly, he probably had absolute security of tenure – attracted more than 10,000 signatures. For an Anglican primate to quit in such circumstances is unprecedented – but also, it seems, inevitable…

Sean O’Grady writes:

Why has the Archbishop of Canterbury had to resign?

Who will be the next Archbishop of Canterbury after Justin Welby resigned?

Tuesday 12 November 2024 18:55 , Alex Croft

Justin Welby’s resignation as the Archbishop of Canterbury over his handling of historic abuse allegations leaves a vacancy at the top of the Church of England’s leadership.

He had been facing growing pressure to stand down over his “failures” to alert authorities about John Smyth QC’s “abhorrent” abuse of children and young men.

Now the Crown Nominations Commission must select a successor, which will be taken to the prime minister, Keir Starmer, who will then submit it to the King.

Who are senior figures who could become the next Archbishop of Canterbury? Angus Thompson reports:

Who will be the next Archbishop of Canterbury after Justin Welby resigned?

This is a heavy blow for the Church of England – Ed Davey

Tuesday 12 November 2024 18:20 , Alex Croft

Leader of the Liberal Democrats and practising Anglican Sir Ed Davey has weighed in on Justin Welby’s resignation.

Speaking to the hosts of The News Agents podcast, Mr Davey said it was “right” for Mr Welby to stand down, and that he hopes the Church of England (CofE) can “look at itself and take whatever measures it needs to to learn the lessons”

He added: “But as you say, Emily [Maitlis], it’s staggering that in 2024 we’re having to say ‘learn the lessons’ about hiding a scandal.

“I think we are all shocked, beyond being shocked. There have been scandals, you’ve reported on them and we’ve debated them, discussed them, but this really takes your breath away, quite how [John Smyth} was allowed to continue his vile abuse.

“We’ve also talked about public trust being rebuilt in our institutions and in politics, it’s clearly going to have to be rebuilt in the Church of England. It’s a heavy blow.”

Asked how it makes him feel about the CofE’s leadership, Mr Davey said: “Well it’s deeply worrying. The first thing I thought last night when I read the reports was that I need to speak with my minister about it, I’m sure he will be as shocked as I am and I was going to take his view of what he thought the Synod and others should be doing about it.”

Alastair Campbell: Welby is a ‘good man with a good heart’

Tuesday 12 November 2024 17:44 , Alex Croft

Alastair Campbell, co-host of The Rest Is Politics podcast, says he still believes Justin Welby is a “good man with a good heart”.

Mr Campbell, who knows Mr Welby personally, added that he has “strong values and a commitment to public service” in a post on X.

“He was assured the police and other authorities were properly on the case,” he continued.

“Yes, as he admits, he could have been more curious and checked in with exactly what was being done. He has apologised and I think many reasonable people will accept that. However he has chosen what all too few public figures do these days which is accept institutional responsibility.”

Rory Stewart, Mr Campbell’s podcast co-host, also took to X to support Welby. He said: “Very sorry to hear of the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury – I have worked with him for a long time and have always been struck by his humility, openness, care and sense of public service.”

In October, Mr Welby appeared on the Leading podcast hosted by Mr Campbell and Mr Stewart.

Survivors of John Smyth’s abuse ‘hugely emotional’ after Welby resignation

Tuesday 12 November 2024 17:23 , Alex Croft

The survivors of John Smyth’s abuse have had a “hugely emotional day” after Justin Welby announced his resignation, according to biographer Andrew Graystone.

Mr Graystone, who wrote about Smyth’s life, abuses and the Church of England’s handling of matters, said he has spoken with some victims after Welby’s announcement.

They told him that Welby “had to go because of his failures” but that it “doesn’t begin to make things right”.

On his own views, Mr Graystone said: “I think people resigning still isn’t going to make the change. It’s the culture of privilege and secrecy and cover-up and putting the church above people that has to change. I don’t see how that’s going to happen.”

The church needs a “wholesale change of culture at the top” and “needs to reject the culture of cover-up and bullying and secrecy”, he added.

“It needs to hand its safeguarding operations over to a wholly independent body that will have the power to receive disclosures of abuse, mandate disciplinary action and allocate redress to victims.

“If that doesn’t happen, then the loss of one archbishop and the appointment of another will not make the church in any way safer.”

Starmer says he respects Welby’s decision

Tuesday 12 November 2024 16:40 , Alexander Butler

Sir Keir Starmer “respects the decision” of the Archbishop of Canterbury to step down, Downing Street has said.

“The Prime Minister respects the decision that’s been taken,” a Number 10 spokeswoman said.

Asked whether the Prime Minister had tried to get Justin Welby to reconsider his position after Sir Keir made clear that victims of John Smyth had been let down, she said: “No. We’re clear it’s a matter for the Church of England and the archbishop.

“I’d point you to the archbishop’s own statement. He refers to taking personal and institutional responsibility. As I say, the Prime Minister respects that decision and his thoughts, first and foremost, remain with all the victims.”

Key dates in the John Smyth scandal

Tuesday 12 November 2024 15:57 , Alexander Butler

• 1970s and 1980s: John Smyth physically abused boys at Christian camps in the UK and Africa

• 1982: An investigation by the Iwerne Trust, which ran the camps, uncovers claims of abuse – but does not report it to police

• 2013: Church of England knew “at the highest level” about the allegations, says Makin report

• 2013: Police were notified – Welby now says he “believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow”

• 2016: The Iwerne Trust’s report was made public

• 2017: Channel 4 News investigation highlights the findings

• 2018: Smyth dies in Cape Town, having not faced justice

• 2019: Independent report commissioned, led by Keith Makin, to look into Church’s handling of the Smyth case

• 7 November 2024: Makin report published – Justin Welby initially says he won’t resign, but changes his mind days later

Failure to report sexual abuse should be a crime, former NCA director says

Tuesday 12 November 2024 15:41 , Alexander Butler

The failure to report sexual abuse should be a crime, the former UK National Crime Agency director has said.

Paul Stanfield said a change in the law was needed after after a spate of cases in which sexual abuse within institutions is alleged to have been covered up.

“People in power cannot be permitted to turn a blind eye to abuse. When victims and survivors have the courage to come forward, that courage must be repaid with action to ensure justice is done,” he said.

Last week Welby insisted he would not resign

Tuesday 12 November 2024 15:24 , Alexander Butler

Following Thursday’s publication of the Makin review into John Smyth – which was critical of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s handling of the case – Justin Welby said he had given resignation “a lot of thought for actually quite a long time”.

Speaking to Channel 4 last week, Mr Welby added: “I have given it [resigning] a lot of thought and have taken advice as recently as this morning from senior colleagues, and, no, I am not going to resign.”

Now, he says “it is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024”.

King exchanged private words with Welby via ‘intermediaries’

Tuesday 12 November 2024 15:22 , Alexander Butler

King Charles – the supreme governor of the Church of England – exchanged private words with Justin Welby through intermediaries this morning.

These words approved the resignation process which was followed by their aides. Public words from the King will be reserved for the point of formal departure.

Reverend ‘deeply saddened’

Tuesday 12 November 2024 15:00 , Alexander Butler

A reverend behind the petition calling on the Archbishop of Canterbury to resign, Revd Dr Ian Paul, Associate Minister at St Nic’s Church, Nottingham said he was “deeply saddened” by the situation.

He said: “I’m not thrilled at all, I’m deeply saddened, I’m saddened that this episode has come up, I’m grieved for the victims, the survivors and that they’ve had to go through this again.

“I think it’s very sad that this whole episode has happened, I think it’s sad that the Makin Report had to happen, and I think it’s sad that it’s taken so long for meaningful action to take place.”

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby quits: Read his resignation letter in full

Tuesday 12 November 2024 14:52 , Alexander Butler

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby quits: Read his resignation letter in full

Labour piles pressure on Justin Welby as he faces calls to resign over sexual abuse scandal

Tuesday 12 November 2024 14:50 , Alexander Butler

Labour piles pressure on Justin Welby as he faces calls to resign over sex abuse row

Archbishop of York welcomes resignation

Tuesday 12 November 2024 14:40 , Alexander Butler

Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, said Justin Welby’s resignation was “the right and honourable thing to do”.

He said: “As Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin has decided to take his share of responsibility for the failures identified by the Makin review. I believe this is the right and honourable thing to do.

“Whilst this is a difficult day for Justin, I pray there will be an opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the many positive aspects of his ministry and his huge commitment to the Church of England, the Anglican Communion and above all the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Statement in full

Tuesday 12 November 2024 14:38 , Alexander Butler

“Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury.

“The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth.

“When I was informed in 2013 and told that police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow.

“It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024.

“It is my duty to honour my constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion.

“I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church. As I step down I do so in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse.

“The last few days have renewed my long-felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England. For nearly 12 years I have struggled to introduce improvements. It is for others to judge what has been done.

“In the meantime, I will follow through on my commitment to meet victims. I will delegate all my other current responsibilities for safeguarding until the necessary risk assessment process is complete.

“I ask everyone to keep my wife Caroline and my children in their prayers. They have been my most important support throughout my ministry, and I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice.

“Caroline led the spouses’ programme during the Lambeth Conference and has travelled tirelessly in areas of conflict supporting the most vulnerable, the women, and those who care for them locally.

“I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honoured to serve. I pray that this decision points us back towards the love that Jesus Christ has for every one of us.

“For above all else, my deepest commitment is to the person of Jesus Christ, my saviour and my God; the bearer of the sins and burdens of the world, and the hope of every person.”

Church of England sex abuse victim urges Welby to quit day before resignation

Tuesday 12 November 2024 14:36 , Alexander Butler

A Church of England sex abuse victim has urged the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to resign.

Pressure is growing on the Archbishop over his failure to act more rigorously over the serial abuser John Smyth.

Mark Stibbe, a victim of Smyth, thought to be the most prolific serial abuser to be associated with the Church, told Channel 4 News on Monday 11 November: “He didn’t do the right thing. He should have made sure the abuse was properly reported to the authorities.”

Mr Stibbe called for Mr Welby to do the “right thing now” and resign.

Justin Welby resigns from Church of England

Tuesday 12 November 2024 14:33 , Alexander Butler

The Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned over a damning report into a barrister thought to have been the most prolific serial abuser to be associated with the Church of England.

Justin Welby had been facing growing pressure to stand down over his “failures” to alert authorities about John Smyth QC’s “abhorrent” abuse of children and young men.

Smyth is said to have subjected as many as 130 boys and young men to traumatic physical, sexual and psychological abuse over five decades in the UK and Africa.

The Makin review into Smyth’s abuse, published last week, concluded that he might have been brought to justice had Mr Welby formally reported it to police a decade ago.

Mr Welby has said it was “very clear I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024.”

He said: “The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England.

“I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honoured to serve.”