Basic facts

• Archbishop Justin Welby has resigned
• A report found that he “could and should” have reported abuse in 2013
• John Smyth abused as many as 130 boys and young men in the UK, Zimbabwe and possibly other African countries
• The evangelical Christian barrister John Smyth died in 2018 and never faced punishment

The reaction

The editorials all agree that Welby was right to resign. Many highlight the archbishop’s ‘sorrow’ for the victims and the “profound sense of shame” he spoke about in his resignation letter.

Other media outlets speak to victims who say Welby shouldn’t be made a scapegoat and many others need to resign as well. 

The resignation is without precedent since the position of Archbishop of Canterbury was established 1,427 years ago. However, experts call the move necessary to help re-establish how the Church handles cases of abuse. 

Several papers look ahead at who could replace him, others talk about the deep damage he has done. The media says a candidate could be drawn from the Episcopal Church, the Church of Ireland, or the Church in Wales. Some publications suggest names such as Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell and Bishop of Chelmsford Guli Francis-Dehqani whilst other editorials ask will we get our first female archbishop.

None – regardless of political leanings – suggest he should have stayed. 

There is a political element to several of the publications, with some using the story to highlight Welby’s ‘woke’ positions on many topics – which made him clash with much of the previous Tory governments. Though his stance on immigration has no connection with the story, several publications like to paint Welby as a ‘liberal lefty’ due to him previously slating the Conservative Party’s Rwanda plans. 

But perhaps the most ridiculous take on the news comes via the Daily Mail which remarkably can link Meghan Markle to the story suggesting ‘woke’ Welby fell under Harry and Meghan’s ‘spell.’ – It’s worth a read just for a good laugh! 

The front pages

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