Wed Nov 13 04:44:58 UTC 2024: ## Archbishop of Canterbury Faces Calls to Resign Over Abuse Cover-up
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is facing growing pressure to resign following a report detailing the Church of England’s failure to address prolific abuse of boys and young men. The report, published last week, revealed that a barrister named John Smyth, who ran summer camps for young Christians, was responsible for the violent abuse of at least 115 children and young men in England, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
While Welby apologized for the church’s failures and omissions, the report concluded that it was unlikely he had no knowledge of the concerns regarding Smyth in the 1980s, despite his claims to the contrary.
Helen-Ann Hartley, one of the church’s 108 bishops, has become the most senior figure to call for Welby’s resignation, stating his position is now untenable. A petition calling for his departure, started by members of the Church’s governing body, has garnered over 2,900 signatures.
Critics argue that the church’s failure to properly address the abuse makes it difficult for the institution to maintain any moral authority.
Welby, who has led the church since 2013, has also faced criticism for his handling of other controversies, including the church’s internal divisions over same-sex relationships and his vocal criticisms of government policies. Despite considering resignation, Welby has maintained his innocence regarding knowledge of the abuse.
The scandal comes at a time when the Church of England is already facing a period of significant turmoil, navigating a schism between liberal and conservative factions over issues such as same-sex rights.
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