ARCHBISHOP of Canterbury Justin Welby has resigned as head of the global Anglican Church following allegations of covering up abuse by John Smyth, affecting 130 boys and young men in the UK and Africa.
Welby announced his resignation on Tuesday, November 12, stating he takes personal and institutional responsibility for the church’s handling of the abuse scandal.
This followed the release of an independent report, revealing shocking details of John Smyth’s decades-long abuse of over 100 minors at Christian camps in the UK, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
He acknowledged being informed of the abuse in 2013 but wrongly assumed an appropriate resolution would follow.
Welby committed to meeting victims and delegating safeguarding responsibilities until a risk assessment is complete.
Welby’s resignation emphasises the Church of England’s commitment to change and creating a safer environment.
He expressed sorrow for victims and survivors of abuse and acknowledged the church’s failures at safeguarding the victims.
Welby expressed gratitude to his family, particularly his wife Caroline, for their support throughout his ministry. He prayed his decision would guide the church toward Jesus Christ’s love.
According to the Washington Post, the process of selecting Welby’s successor will kick off with the Crown Nominations Commission, a 16-member group comprised of the Archbishop of York, clergy and laypeople representatives, an Anglican Communion representative, and a prime minister-appointed chair.
This commission will nominate candidates for Archbishop of Canterbury and other English dioceses.
Recall that the Nigerian Anglicans threatened to break away, citing biblical teachings. This followed the Church of England’s General Synod’s recent narrow vote in favour of same-sex marriage, sparking outrage among conservative Anglicans.
The head of the church in Nigeria, Henry Ndukuba, an archbishop, warned that recognising same-sex marriage would lead to a broken sacramental communion between the two churches.
The Nigerian church reaffirmed its dedication to biblical teachings, vowing solidarity with faithful Anglicans opposing same-sex marriage.
The Church of Nigeria’s Primate stated: “Should the Archbishop of Canterbury proceed with same-sex marriage, the Church of England risks broken sacramental communion with the Church of Nigeria and other faithful Anglican provinces.”
The Nigerian church commended bishops, clergy and laity standing against same-sex marriage, affirming dedication to biblical teachings.
The controversy surrounding same-sex marriage and abuse scandals highlights tensions within the global Anglican Communion.
A reporter with the ICIR
A Journalist with a niche for quality and a promoter of good governance