Best of the Spectator
Holy Smoke: the tin ear of Justin Welby
Apr 1, 2025
Fergus Butler-Gallie, Vicar of Charlbury and editor-at-large of The Fence magazine, dives into the recent fallout surrounding former Archbishop Justin Welby. They discuss the Church of England's failures to act on abuse allegations, particularly regarding John Smyth, and the implications of Welby's controversial forgiveness remarks. The conversation contrasts accountability in the Anglican Church with that of Pope Francis and calls for urgent reforms to restore trust. Butler-Gallie emphasizes the need for genuine engagement with victims and reverence for their experiences.
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Quick takeaways
- Justin Welby's statement of forgiveness towards John Smyth underscores a significant disconnect from the perspectives of abuse survivors and their needs.
- The podcast highlights the necessity for the Church of England to reform its leadership approach to prioritize genuine engagement over bureaucratic management.
Deep dives
Justin Welby's Controversial Interview
The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has faced criticism due to his recent interview where he discussed the abuse scandal involving John Smythe, a predator who allegedly victimized numerous boys. Welby expressed a belief in the concept of forgiveness, stating that he would forgive Smythe, but quickly acknowledged that the conversation should center around the victims of the abuse, not him. This statement was seen as a misstep, highlighting the disconnect between his perspective and the sentiments of those affected by the scandal. Critics argue that Welby's ongoing struggle to resonate with the victims reveals a deeper issue of understanding and genuine engagement with their pain.
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