Former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has stated that he forgives John Smyth, the serial abuser at the center of a long-running scandal that played a role in his resignation.
In his first interview since stepping down in November last year, Welby acknowledged that he personally forgives Smyth but emphasized that his own feelings are “irrelevant.” Instead, he stressed that the focus must remain on supporting the victims as they work to rebuild their lives. Smyth, who died in 2018, was responsible for the abuse of more than 100 boys and young men in both the UK and Africa over several decades.
A 2024 independent review into the handling of the scandal concluded that Welby “could and should” have done more to bring Smyth to justice. In response, Welby expressed a “deep sense of personal shame” over his failure to act more decisively. The report’s findings have sparked renewed criticism of the Church of England’s safeguarding policies and its ability to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse.
The case of John Smyth has remained a painful chapter for both the victims and the Church, raising difficult questions about institutional accountability. Welby’s admission of regret and his call for victim-centered action come at a time when faith institutions continue to face scrutiny over their handling of historical abuse cases. His remarks are likely to further fuel the debate over whether enough has been done to ensure justice and prevent such failures in the future.
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