Bishop calls out silence from church leaders after demanding Welby's resignation

In a significant development for the Church of England, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby announced his resignation following devastating findings from the Makin Review, which scrutinized the Church’s handling of historical child abuse allegations. The report revealed that John Smyth, a former church member and serial abuser, had escaped justice for decades, with Welby admitting failures in safeguarding that ultimately led to his decision to step down. The review highlighted a troubling lack of accountability among church leaders, sparking calls for a cultural reckoning within the Church. Survivors of Smyth's abuse expressed relief at Welby’s resignation, viewing it as a necessary step toward accountability and transparency in an institution marred by scandal. The fallout from Welby's resignation did not just end with his announcement. Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, had publicly called for Welby to step aside and reported feeling isolated by her colleagues since raising concerns about safeguarding failures. Hartley accused other bishops of careerism and silence on behalf of the Church's tarnished reputation, noting that her stance was met with resistance from fellow clergy. The atmosphere within the Church of England has been marked by tension, as bishops and other clergy grapple with the need for reform and the urgency of safeguarding vulnerable individuals. As the Church prepares to transition to new leadership, many await the appointment of a successor to Welby, with a push for greater transparency and independent oversight in safeguarding processes. The calls for reform are increasingly urgent, advocating for special measures to ensure such failings are not repeated. Critics emphasize that historical and systemic issues must be addressed to restore trust among congregants and the wider community, with a conscious effort needed to shift the culture of silence about abuse. This moment marks a pivotal shift in the Church of England, as Welby’s resignation signals the start of an introspective journey that the Church must undertake to address serious allegations and restore its credibility in safeguarding practices. As survivors and advocates for change push for real reform, the Church faces mounting pressure to confront its past failures and modernize its responses to safeguarding concerns, ensuring protection for those in its care while promoting a culture of accountability and integrity.