LONDON — Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby concludes his tenure as he resigns amidst growing allegations of mishandling an abuse scandal. His departure comes following an extensive inquiry which revealed that he failed to report serial abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps, an issue he was made aware of soon after assuming his role in 2013 (source: AP News). This decision marks a significant shift in leadership as the Church of England embarks on the long process of selecting a successor.

Welby will lay down his bishop's crosier, a ceremonial staff that symbolizes his position, marking the official end of his ministry. Most of his duties will transfer to the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell (source: SCMP), as the church navigates the transition. His resignation follows a disconcerting independent review into the late John Smyth, a former legal figure accused of abusing approximately 30 boys in the UK and 85 in Africa between the 1970s and 2018.

The Makin Review, a 251-page report, emphasized that Welby was informed of Smyth's actions but did not escalate the matter to the authorities. Had he acted promptly, it is likely that some abuse could have been prevented. Welby’s initial hesitation to resign drew widespread criticism and highlighted a growing frustration regarding accountability at the highest levels of the Church (source: AP News).

The backdrop to Welby’s resignation is a deeper issue regarding *historical sexual abuse* within the Church of England, a theme echoed in a 2022 report by the Independent Inquiry Into Child Sexual Abuse. The report pointed towards a culture that prioritized the needs of alleged offenders rather than the victims, labeling the church as a place where abusers could find refuge.

The search for Welby’s successor is anticipated to be thorough, involving the Crown Nominations Commission, which will recommend candidates to the Prime Minister and ultimately to King Charles for approval. Potential successors include prominent clergy members such as Helen-Ann Hartley, the Bishop of Newcastle, who has been a vocal advocate for improved safeguarding measures within the church (source: SCMP).

As the Church of England seeks to navigate this tumultuous period, all eyes will be on its leadership and the necessary reforms that must follow in the wake of these findings.