What's happened
The resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby amid an abuse cover-up scandal has prompted calls for institutional reform within the Church of England. Leaders are now considering how to share responsibilities and improve safeguarding practices to prevent future abuses.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Harriet Sherwood in The Guardian, Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, stated that the church is in an 'unprecedented crisis' and that the responsibilities of the archbishop may need to be shared more widely in the future. He noted, 'We need someone who can give at least five years, probably more like 10.' Meanwhile, Jayne Ozanne, a prominent LGBT campaigner, described Welby's resignation as a 'watershed moment' for the Church, emphasizing that it is 'just the tip of the iceberg' regarding the abuse cover-ups. Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed these sentiments, stating that 'one head rolling solves the problem' is a misconception, highlighting the need for deeper cultural changes within the church. The independent Makin report criticized Welby for being 'insufficiently curious' about the allegations against Smyth, which has led to calls for further accountability among church leaders.
How we got here
The Church of England is facing an unprecedented crisis following a report detailing extensive abuse by John Smyth and the church's failure to act. Welby's resignation comes after mounting pressure and criticism regarding his handling of the situation.
Common question
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What led to Archbishop Justin Welby's resignation amid abuse scandals?
The resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby has sent shockwaves through the Church of England, raising critical questions about leadership accountability and the future of the institution. As the church grapples with the fallout from abuse cover-ups, many are left wondering what reforms are necessary to restore trust and prevent future incidents. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this crisis.
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What are the major news stories making headlines in November 2024?
November 2024 has been a month filled with significant events that are shaping the current landscape in various sectors. From political shifts to sports victories and environmental crises, these stories not only capture the public's attention but also raise important questions about their implications for the future. Below, we explore some of the key headlines and their broader context.
More on these topics
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The Church of England is the established church of England. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the most senior cleric, although the monarch is the supreme governor. The Church of England is also the mother church of the international Anglican Communion.
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Justin Portal Welby is the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury and the most senior Bishop in the Church of England. He has served in that role since 2013.
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John Smyth may refer to:
John Smyth (English theologian) (1554–1612), considered the earliest Baptist
John Smyth (barrister) (1941–2018), British QC and Christian minister accused of abuse
John Smyth (footballer) (born 1970), Irish former professiona
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Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell SCP is a Church of England bishop. Since 9 July 2020, he has been the Archbishop of York and Primate of England — the second most senior bishop of the church and the most senior in northern England.
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Wesley Paul William Streeting is a British politician serving as the Member of Parliament for Ilford North since 2015, and since 2020 as Shadow Minister for Schools.
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Helen-Ann Macleod Hartley is a British Anglican bishop, Lord Spiritual, and academic. Since 2023, she has served as Bishop of Newcastle in the Church of England.