2025 on The Interview

Dec 29, 2025

Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, reflects on his resignation over church safeguarding failures, expressing deep remorse to survivors. He candidly discusses missed opportunities for action and the tough road to forgiveness. In a contrasting conversation, music legend Stevie Wonder shares insights into his creative process and childhood influences in Motown. He humorously describes his songwriting journey and views his songs as cherished children. The discussions are both poignant and uplifting, showcasing human resilience and creativity.

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INSIGHT

Acceptance Of Personal And Institutional Failure

Justin Welby accepts personal and institutional responsibility for failures to act on abuse within the Church of England.
He says he should have pushed harder and that being overwhelmed is not an excuse for leadership failings.

ADVICE

Push For Fuller Investigations

Justin Welby says leaders must proactively question whether more are involved in abuse cases and push for fuller investigations.
He implies that waiting on diocesan rules or police cautions is insufficient leadership.

INSIGHT

Forgiveness Versus Accountability

Justin Welby frames forgiveness as accepting the full weight of wrong rather than erasing it.
He notes forgiving the abuser is less relevant than serving and acknowledging survivors' suffering.

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2025 on The Interview A special episode of The Interview, featuring three of the most compelling conversations from 2025.

The Archbishop of Canterbury is the symbolic leader of the Anglican Communion, a figurehead for more than 85 million people worldwide. Justin Welby stepped down from the role in late 2024 over his handling of abuse in the Church of England. In this interview, his first since his resignation, he tells BBC presenter Laura Kuenssberg he is deeply sorry for his failure, and that of the church, to serve the victims and survivors appropriately.

Australia’s ground-breaking social media ban for under-16s drew the attention of the world when it was enacted in December. Communications Minister Anika Wells is in charge of the policy, and told the BBC’s Australia Correspondent Katy Watson that she is trying to save a generation, with seven out of ten Australian young people suffering harm online. Despite opposition from tech giants, she says she is standing firm on the side of parents not platforms.

Music legend Stevie Wonder’s career spans seven decades and has brought him numerous awards including Grammys, a Golden Globe and an Oscar as well 100 million record sales. Whilst on tour in the summer, the American Ghanaian musician, who has been blind since birth, spoke to BBC presenter Annie Macmanus about his music and his childhood.

Thank you to the all the teams across the BBC who have helped us make The Interview throughout 2025. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Ben Cooper Producers: Ben Cooper, Clare Williamson, Farhana Haider, Lucy Sheppard Editor: Justine Lang and Nick Holland Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.