Church Leaders Urge Welby to Step Down After Abuse Scandal

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, is facing calls to resign. A recent report found that he didn't do enough to stop a notorious child abuser, John Smyth. Some members of the Church of England's General Synod have started a petition to remove Welby. This is a big deal because Welby is the head of the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion. The scandal surrounds Welby's knowledge of Smyth's abuse, which happened decades ago. Smyth, a former lawyer, is believed to have abused up to 130 boys and young men. The report says Welby might have known about Smyth's concerning behavior but not the full extent of the abuse. A church leader said Welby's position is untenable, meaning it's impossible for him to continue. Another person involved in the petition said Welby has lost the trust of church clergy.

Welby's headquarters said he has no plans to resign and apologized for the church's failings. Years ago, Smyth's abuse was reported, but the church didn't alert the police properly. This could have protected more potential victims. Smyth was linked to summer camps for elite students in the 1970s and 1980s. He moved to Zimbabwe in 1984 and allegedly abused more children there. Welby was educated at one of those schools and met Smyth there. He also donated to Smyth's missions. Some church officials knew about the abuse as early as 1982, but Welby says he only learned about it in 2013. While Welby admits he failed to investigate Smyth, he plans to stay in his post.

Actions