the reasons for a historic decision

The decision is unprecedented: the head of the Anglican Church, Justin Welby, announced his resignation in a press release on Tuesday November 12, 2024.After seeking the kind permission of His Majesty the King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury.“This decision comes a week after the publication of the independent report “Makin”, named after the person who conducted this research, Keith Makin, a recognized child welfare professional. This report analyzes the treatment of attacks committed against more than 130 young boys by John Smyth, an Anglican lawyer involved in the evangelical branch of the Church, between the 1970s and 2010.

Justin Welby “could and should have” reported the facts

This report highlights the chilling scale of the crimes committed by this powerful secularist and reveals the harmful inaction and culture of cover-up present within the Church. Justin Welby, in office since 2013, was questioned for his handling of the case when he was informed of the accusations made against John Smyth that same year. He “could and should have,” according to the report, reported the facts to the police. His inaction is then pointed out. If the report had been made earlier, John Smyth, who died in 2018, could have been tried.

“Church leaders knew of these abuses and failed to take the necessary measures to prevent further abuse,” according to the Makin report cited by the Telegraph. Ultimately the facts will not be revealed to the general public until 2016.

The unprecedented violence imposed by John Smyth, a lawyer with the title “Queen’s Counsel”, allegedly took place during evangelical camps for adolescents, at home where he attracted schoolchildren from the college he was next to, or even in Zimbabwe where he had leaks. He would have imposed sexual abuse, whippings, spiritual abuse…

In the statement, Justin Welby said: “The last few days have renewed my deep sense of shame at the historic failings of the Church of England in safeguarding. For almost twelve years I have fought to make improvements. He It is up to others to judge what has been done.”

A strong signal for Christians around the world

A petition calling for his resignation was launched on November 9 by three Anglican priests. She collected 15,000 signatures. If some observers denounce a late decision by the Archbishop of Canterbury, others underline the impact it could have in the world, and in particular in Christian communities. The editor-in-chief of La Croix (daily newspaper of the Bayard group, to which Le Pèlerin belongs), Loup Besmond de Senneville writes that “the resignation of Dr. Welby is also a strong and clear signal sent to all the heads of institutions and leaders of opinion of this planet.”