Pressure mounts on Anglican leader to resign over abuse scandal

Anglican Leader Faces Mounting Pressure to Resign Over Abuse Scandal

Justin Welby, the leader of the global Anglican communion, is facing growing calls to resign following a damning report that revealed the Church of England covered up a serial abuse case involving John Smyth, a lawyer who organized evangelical summer camps in the 1970s and 1980s. Smyth is believed to have assaulted over 130 boys and young men, with dozens more potentially abused in African countries after he relocated to Zimbabwe and South Africa ¹.

The report found that Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, “could and should” have formally reported the abuse to authorities in 2013. Welby has apologized, stating he was “deeply sorry” for the abuse and had no prior knowledge or suspicion before 2013. However, a petition initiated by three members of the General Synod, the Church’s national assembly, demands Welby’s resignation, arguing that his position is “no longer tenable” due to his failure to act ¹.

The petition has garnered nearly 2,000 signatures, with several priests speaking out against Welby. Giles Fraser, vicar of St Anne’s Church in southwest London, described the situation as “terrible,” stating that Welby has lost the confidence of clergy and bishops. Bishop of Stepney Joanne Grenfell also declined to support Welby’s continuation, emphasizing that there is “still an awful lot to do” ¹.

The scandal has sparked widespread criticism, with many calling for greater accountability within the Church. The case highlights concerns about the handling of abuse allegations and the need for transparency and action to prevent similar incidents in the future.