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The Justin Welby Interview

Mar 30, 2025
In a candid conversation, Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, reflects on his historic resignation following a scandal that shook the Church of England. He discusses the profound emotional impact on abuse survivors and the critical need for accountability and structural reform. The interview explores his experiences during significant events like the Queen's funeral and King Charles' coronation, and tackles the challenges of fostering inclusivity within the church. Welby also addresses the complexities of public judgment and the ongoing quest for forgiveness in leadership.
40:23

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Justin Welby resigned as Archbishop of Canterbury after acknowledging failures in addressing historical abuse within the church, highlighting significant institutional shortcomings.
  • The podcast discusses the need for compassion and support for victims in institutional settings, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in safeguarding practices.

Deep dives

Resignation and Responsibility

The discussion revolves around the resignation of Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who stepped down following revelations of past failures in addressing the abuse suffered by victims of John Smythe. Welby admits that he did not act decisively upon first learning of Smythe's actions, which resulted in substantial harm to victims due to the church's inadequate response. His sense of responsibility grew when he reflected on the leaked report that detailed his shortcomings and the institutional failures that allowed the abuse to continue unchecked. This acknowledgment of personal and institutional failure highlights the serious nature of the church's duty to protect its most vulnerable members.

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