Jump to content
Independent

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Independent Bulletin homepage

Social Partner

We are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)We are 8 logoWe are 8 logo
  1. All
  2. News
  3. Sport
  4. Culture
  5. Lifestyle

Justin Welby admits he ‘got it wrong’ over church sex abuse allegations

Justin Welby officially stepped down from the role last month (Neil Turner/Lambeth Palace/PA)
Justin Welby officially stepped down from the role last month (Neil Turner/Lambeth Palace/PA) (PA Media)
  • Former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby admitted to mishandling child sex abuse allegations, particularly those against serial abuser John Smyth.
  • He acknowledged his failure to follow proper procedures, attributing it to the overwhelming number of cases he faced at the time.
  • A review revealed that Smyth might have been brought to justice sooner if Welby had reported him to the police five years earlier.
  • Welby resigned in November, expressing shame over the Church Of England's historical safeguarding failures.
  • He cautioned against rushing to judgment regarding public figures facing controversies and resignation calls.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in