He decided to resign after receiving the “gracious permission” of King Charles III. the Archbishop of Canterbury announced on Tuesday. He is accused of not making public the decades-long abuse of more than 100 boys and young men by a church lawyer.
Welby’s statement came after senior church representatives also called for the 68-year-old to resign. The head of the third largest Christian religious community in the world admitted errors of judgment. “It is abundantly clear that I must accept personal and institutional responsibility for the long and re-traumatizing period between 2013 and 2024,” Welby’s statement said. One of the tasks of the head of the Anglican Church is the coronation of the British monarch.
“I hope this decision demonstrates how seriously the Church of England takes the need for change and our deep commitment to a safer church,” Welby said. “I am resigning from my position with deep sadness for all victims and survivors of abuse.”
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**Interview with Dr. Abigail Harris, Religious Scholar and Commentator**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Harris. We’ve just heard about the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, in light of serious allegations regarding the mishandling of sexual abuse cases within the church. What are your thoughts on this situation?
**Dr. Harris:** Thank you for having me. This is indeed a significant and painful moment not only for the Church of England but for the broader Christian community. Welby’s resignation highlights the urgent need for accountability and transformative action within institutions that have historically failed to protect vulnerable individuals.
**Interviewer:** Welby mentioned that he received the “gracious permission” of King Charles III to resign. How do you interpret the involvement of the monarchy in this process?
**Dr. Harris:** The monarchy has a traditional role in the Church of England, and King Charles III’s involvement signals a recognition of the gravity of the situation. It suggests that the church is not only accountable to its congregants but also to the institutions that support it, including the monarchy. This could indicate a broader commitment to reform within church governance.
**Interviewer:** Welby acknowledged a long period of inaction regarding the abuse allegations. What does this say about institutional culture within the Church?
**Dr. Harris:** It signifies a troubling culture of silence and inaction that has too often prioritized institutional reputation over the safety and welfare of victims. It’s essential for institutions to confront these failures head-on, which involves not only accepting responsibility but also implementing systemic changes to ensure that such abuses do not recur.
**Interviewer:** In his statement, Welby expressed a desire for change and a commitment to a safer church. What steps do you think need to be taken to move forward?
**Dr. Harris:** First and foremost, there must be transparent investigations into past abuses and ongoing support for victims. The church also needs to establish clear protocols for reporting and addressing abuse allegations. Furthermore, fostering a culture of accountability at all levels will be crucial in rebuilding trust within the community.
**Interviewer:** what impact do you think this resignation will have on the Church of England and its followers?
**Dr. Harris:** This resignation could be a catalyst for significant reform if it leads to meaningful changes. However, it could also be a moment of disillusionment for many who have felt let down by church leadership. The challenge will be for the new leadership to not only address past mistakes but to inspire hope and renewed faith among church members.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Harris, for sharing your insights on this important issue.
**Dr. Harris:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital to keep these conversations going as we strive for a more just and compassionate community.
