In his first interview since resigning, former Archbishop Justin Welby discussed the profound shame he feels regarding his comments on his earlier decision not to resign amid a scandal involving serial abuser John Smyth. Welby admitted he failed to act decisively when allegations surfaced and recognized that about 130 boys fell victim to Smyth's abuses. He offered forgiveness to Smyth but emphasized that it holds little value for the actual victims. An independent review highlighted glaring failures in safeguarding practices by the Church of England and the need for further action to protect survivors.
Welby expressed his sense of shame regarding his previous comments and acknowledged failing to think through his decision not to resign earlier, stating that he should have acted more decisively regarding abuse allegations.
Despite forgiving John Smyth, Welby emphasized that his forgiveness is largely irrelevant to the victims, indicating that the real focus should be on their suffering and the healing process.
A survivor of Smyth's abuse conveyed deep frustration with the church's handling of their claims, stating that the trauma from the church's responses overshadowed the historical abuse itself.
The independent review by Keith Makin identified critical shortcomings in the Church's safeguarding practices and suggested that timely reporting of allegations could have brought Smyth to justice.
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