Justin Welby urged to resign in solidarity with C of E abuse victims
The archbishop of Canterbury is being called upon to show his support for abuse victims by stepping down, following a report that revealed a cover-up within the Church of England.
A petition initiated by three members of the General Synod, which serves as the church's governing body, asking for Justin Welby to resign has garnered over 10,000 signatures.
A recent independent review revealed that John Smyth might have faced legal action if Welby had officially reported the abuse to the police ten years ago.
Andrew Morse, one of Smyth's victims who encountered him during his time as a student at Winchester College in Hampshire, labeled him as a predator.
He expressed on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Justin Welby’s acknowledgment of not having done enough since 2013 is sufficient for him to conclude that Welby, along with many other members of the Anglican Church, participated in a cover-up regarding the abuse.
He mentioned, "I believe he ought to step down; the church has very strict guidelines for regular priests and those in lower positions on how to handle reports of abuse."
The archbishop has acknowledged his shortcomings in 2013, and I think this presents a chance for him to step down. On a personal level, I understand how hard it can be to let go of secrets, especially those that might bring feelings of shame. However, I believe it’s time for him to consider resigning.
"I refer to it as an opportunity because it would allow him to support the victims of the Smyth abuse and all those who haven’t received fair treatment from the Church of England regarding their own abuse cases."
For more than fifty years, from the 1970s until his passing, Smyth reportedly inflicted severe physical, sexual, psychological, and spiritual harm on around 130 boys and young men in the UK and Africa, leaving lasting scars on their lives.
There has been increasing pressure on Welby to resign, including calls from Helen-Ann Hartley, the Bishop of Newcastle, who stated on Monday that his position is no longer sustainable.
On Tuesday, the dean of chapel at King’s College, Cambridge, issued similar requests.
Stephen Cherry, a former canon at Durham Cathedral, expressed on the Today programme that he believes it’s time for him to step down and make way for meaningful change.
There are times when a leader loses the trust, confidence, and ability to fulfill their important role, such as that of an archbishop, who is meant to represent everyone in public during significant moments.
"The suffering experienced by the victim community, along with a long-standing history of being ignored and not acknowledged by those in authority, indicates that this individual can no longer serve effectively in the role they hold."
"That's what I'm feeling most strongly right now."
In the UK, the NSPCC provides assistance for children at 0800 1111, and for adults who are worried about a child at 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adult survivors at 0808 801 0331. In the US, individuals can reach out to the Childhelp abuse hotline by calling or texting 800-422-4453. In Australia, children, teens, parents, and teachers can get in touch with Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800, while adult survivors can find support through the Blue Knot Foundation by calling 1300 657 380. Additional resources are available through Child Helplines International.
