Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, announced his resignation Tuesday following an independent investigation that found he failed to report serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps. The report concluded that Welby became aware of the abuse in 2013 but did not notify the authorities, sparking outrage and intensifying calls for accountability within the Church of England.
Pressure on Welby had been mounting since last week, when he refused to take full responsibility for his inaction, fueling public anger. On Tuesday afternoon, he acknowledged his failings. "It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024," Welby said in his resignation statement. "I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honored to serve."
Welby's departure sends shockwaves through the Anglican Communion, which counts over 85 million members worldwide. As Archbishop of Canterbury, Welby was regarded as "first among equals" within the church, a role of both symbolic and practical significance. The former oil executive, who entered the priesthood in 1989, was a polarizing figure known for his diplomatic efforts in conflict zones like Nigeria and his struggle to unite a fractured Anglican Church.
The scandal centers on the late John Smyth, a prominent lawyer who, according to the Makin Review released by the Church of England last week, sexually, psychologically, and physically abused about 30 boys and young men in the UK and 85 in Africa from the 1970s until his death in 2018. The 251-page report criticized Welby for failing to alert law enforcement when he was informed of Smyth's actions shortly after becoming archbishop. It determined that had Welby acted sooner, further abuse might have been prevented.
Welby defended his initial inaction, stating that he had been incorrectly told police were already investigating the matter. Nevertheless, he accepted responsibility for not ensuring a more vigorous pursuit of the allegations. "I deeply regret that I did not act more decisively," he said.
Welby's resignation came as his position grew increasingly untenable. Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle, described his role as "untenable" in light of the scandal. Some members of the General Synod, the Church of England's national assembly, had called for his resignation, stating he had "lost the confidence of his clergy." The loudest calls, however, came from Smyth's victims. Andrew Morse, who endured years of abuse by Smyth, spoke of the need for change. "I believe that now is an opportunity for him to resign," Morse told the BBC before Welby's announcement.
The scandal follows years of historical abuse revelations within the Church of England. A 2022 report by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse highlighted a culture within the church that often protected abusers and sidelined victims. It described the Church of England as "a place where abusers could hide," citing deference to priests, taboos around discussing sexual abuse, and an institutional focus on protecting its reputation.
Welby's supporters argued he played a critical role in addressing these cultural failings and changing the church's response to abuse. However, the weight of his past decisions ultimately made it impossible for him to continue. "There are circumstances in which a person in a position of prominent leadership essentially loses the trust and confidence needed to represent everyone," said Stephen Cherry, dean of the chapel at King's College Cambridge, before Welby's resignation.
The resignation of Welby, who has been archbishop since 2013, now leaves the Church of England at a crossroads. The search for his successor, who will become the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, will be led by the Crown Nominations Commission. Potential candidates face a daunting challenge: managing a declining institution riven by internal divisions while contending with the legacy of abuse scandals.
In the interim, Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, is expected to assume Welby's duties until a permanent replacement is named. Many within the church hope the next archbishop will embody change, with calls for a leader who reflects greater diversity and champions progressive reforms.
Potential archbishop of Canterbury
Welby's resignation leaves a significant void at the helm of the Church of England, and the search for his successor is expected to be both complex and closely watched. The role of the Archbishop of Canterbury carries moral and spiritual leadership responsibilities, oversight of Anglican churches across more than 160 countries, a ceremonial seat in the House of Lords, and the day-to-day management of a large, often fractious institution.
Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, is expected to step in temporarily as the church's leader while the search for the next archbishop unfolds-a process that could take several months. The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC), an opaque body tasked with recommending candidates, will play a key role. The final decision will be conveyed by the prime minister to the king, who formally appoints the new archbishop.
Among potential candidates, several prominent figures stand out. Guli Francis-Dehqani, the Bishop of Chelmsford, has garnered attention for her emphasis on Christian service and inclusivity within the church. Born in Iran, she fled the country during the 1980 revolution and has been admired for her compassionate leadership. Martyn Snow, the Bishop of Leicester, known for his advocacy on issues of sexuality and racial justice, is also seen as a potential contender.
Other names in the mix include Graham Usher, the Bishop of Norwich, who is recognized for his environmental advocacy, and Rachel Treweek, the Bishop of Gloucester, who was the first woman appointed as a diocesan bishop. Treweek has been a vocal critic of the church's lack of diversity and has campaigned on issues such as body image among girls and young women.
Paul Williams, the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, represents a more conservative wing of the church, while Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the Bishop of Dover and the first Black woman appointed as a Church of England bishop, is seen as a progressive force for change. However, Hudson-Wilkin's age, junior status as a suffragan bishop, and outspoken views on institutional racism may weigh against her candidacy.
