The Interview
Justin Welby, former Archbishop of Canterbury: I forgive serial abuser John Smyth
Mar 31, 2025
In a candid conversation with Laura Kuenssberg, Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, reflects on his leadership amidst a turbulent tenure. He discusses the significant moments from Queen Elizabeth II's funeral to the deep impact of an abuse scandal that led to his resignation. Welby emphasizes the need for systemic accountability within the Church and the importance of addressing survivors' needs. He also shares insights on the Church of England's challenges regarding inclusivity and the complexities surrounding forgiveness in the face of abuse.
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Quick takeaways
- Justin Welby reflects on his failures in addressing abuse within the church, leading to his resignation and personal shame.
- He emphasizes the need for independent oversight and robust safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Leadership Amid Scandal
Justin Welby reflects on his tenure as the Archbishop of Canterbury, highlighting the significant events he presided over, including royal weddings and Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. However, his leadership was overshadowed by a major abuse scandal involving John Smythe, who abused over 100 young individuals. Despite being aware of allegations during his tenure, Welby admits he failed to pursue justice vigorously enough, attributing this to being overwhelmed by the sheer number of cases he encountered. This realization ultimately led to his resignation, as he accepted personal and institutional responsibility for the church's failures in safeguarding.
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