Church of England Bishop Urges Welby’s Resignation Amid Abuse Scandal Report

A bishop within the Church of England has urged the Archbishop of Canterbury to resign, stating his position is “untenable” following a critical report concerning a prolific child abuser linked to the Church. Justin Welby is under increasing pressure to resign, after revelations last week indicated he failed to adequately pursue reports regarding John Smyth’s “abhorrent” abuse of over 100 boys and young men. A review examining the Church’s management of Smyth’s case concluded that the archbishop “could and should” have reported the matter to authorities upon receiving details in 2013. Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley represents the most senior Church figure to urge Mr Welby to step down, following accusations from others that he was “allowing abuse to continue” during the period between 2013 and Smyth’s death in 2018. Speaking to the BBC on Monday, she stated: “I think rightly people are asking the question ‘Can we really trust the Church of England to keep us safe?’ And I think the answer at the moment is ‘no’.” Bishop Hartley explained that Mr Welby’s resignation would not “solve the safeguarding problem,” but it would “be a very clear indication that a line has been drawn, and that we must move towards independence of safeguarding”. Mr Welby conceded last week that the review highlighted he had “personally failed to ensure