In a significant development within the Church of England, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has officially resigned in the wake of the independent Makin Review, which investigated claims of abuse by barrister John Smyth. The review revealed that Smyth inflicted years of traumatic abuse on minors and young adults under the Church’s care, with reports indicating that church officials, including Welby, were informed as early as 2013.

Welby acknowledged the failures of the Church in handling the case and took “personal and institutional responsibility” for the protracted delay in seeking justice. Welby’s resignation follows calls for greater transparency and accountability within the Church, as the Makin Review concludes that the Church concealed critical information about Smyth’s actions. Smyth, who died in 2018 while under investigation, was never formally charged, leaving survivors without closure.

Welby’s resignation, approved by King Charles, comes amid broader demands for reform and a complete overhaul of the Church’s abuse handling protocols. The Archbishop’s departure signals a crucial juncture as the Church grapples with the fallout from the report and its implications for leadership accountability moving forward.