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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Welby's Forgiveness Blunder
- Justin Welby's interview blunder about forgiving John Smyth generated the biggest headline.
- He later clarified that forgiveness is the victim's choice.
Welby's Character
- Justin Welby's character is difficult to assess, sometimes humble, other times arrogant.
- Accusations of an inflexible, managerial style persist, making culpability in the Smyth case complex.
Welby's Disconnect
- Justin Welby's disconnect between his self-perception and reality contributed to his downfall.
- His lack of instinct and skill in handling the 24/7 news cycle exacerbated the crisis.