In brief
An English bishop has called for the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby after a damning report highlighted his inadequate response to allegations of abuse at Christian summer camps from decades ago. The abuse, involving over 100 victims since the 1970s, was linked to John Smyth, a deceased lawyer, and revealed failures in the Church of England's handling of the situation.
The independent review, published last week, criticized Welby's inaction despite knowledge of the abuse at the highest church levels and his awareness of the allegations soon after taking office in 2013. It noted a missed opportunity to report Smyth to law enforcement, which could have prompted a thorough investigation and potential convictions. Archbishop Welby acknowledged his shortcomings, including not meeting with victims after the atrocities were publicly revealed in a 2017 investigation. He expressed remorse for not ensuring a prompt inquiry into the matter and emphasized his unawareness of the abuse before 2013.The review contended that the church's response amounted to a coverup despite attempts from individuals to bring the abuse to light. The uncovering of such severe accusations continues to stress the need for transparency and accountability within the church.
