I can’t quite picture the former Archbishop of Canterbury having a tattoo, but if he did, it might be that popular “ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE ME” one. Interestingly, many people sporting this ink seem to find themselves facing judgment in court. Yet, amusingly, providing guidance on convicts with such tattoos is one of the few topics on which Justin Welby, during his time as Archbishop, never publicly opined.
Now, as he steps down, Welby delivered a remarkably tone-deaf farewell speech in the House of Lords. Calls for his resignation had surfaced due to his awareness of the heinous acts committed by John Smyth, someone he once esteemed. Smyth’s victims, subjected to grooming and brutal assaults, repeatedly pleaded for the Church of England to investigate their plight—a plea that went unheeded, leaving many survivors feeling as though the church’s neglect was as traumatic as the abuse itself.
In Welby’s final address, he awkwardly joked about his departure, saying, “If you pity anyone, pity my poor diary secretary!” Excuse me, but what? He seemed to switch into humor mode despite the weighty context. “As the Archbishop still, if you want to make God laugh, make plans,” he quipped, suggesting that next year he’ll be causing God plenty of chuckles with his plans. However, the timing and lack of empathy were not fitting for a farewell overshadowed by the failure to probe horrific child abuse. The speech lacked any semblance of remorse or acknowledgment for Smyth’s numerous victims, some of whom sought to end their lives due to the trauma. By Friday, perhaps due to backlash, Welby issued a public apology.
Rightly so, as context revealed that Welby, speaking in the Lords, mentioned heads needing to roll “whether one is personally responsible or not.” He clarified, saying there’s only “one head that rolls well enough” this time—convenient for the institution, but inadequate for the victims. A survivor emphasized that all accountable figures should resign. As for the excuse “whether one is personally responsible,” let’s clarify: Welby was responsible. His “distinct lack of curiosity,” as the independent review stated, was a grievous lapse of omission. The initial investigation into Smyth stemmed not from the church but from Channel 4 News back in 2017, igniting what little justice has been served.
Reflecting on past events, it’s almost absurd that on October 1, 2014, Welby blogged about listening to abuse victims and asserting their lack of blame—time he could have spent addressing Smyth’s victims and alerting authorities to the true perpetrator.
Throughout the years he was aware of many UK victims, Welby spoke broadly on numerous issues—ranging from the Brexit debate to global trade inequities—over which he had no direct control. Meanwhile, Smyth continued his abuse, harming at least 85 more boys in Africa, an atrocity Welby could have acted to prevent. Smyth died freely in South Africa in 2018, despite Hampshire police finally investigating him. Despite hiding behind religious ideologies, it seems probable Smyth didn’t believe in hell’s existence, otherwise he might have reconsidered booking his place there.
In the wake of Welby’s resignation, efforts to brush this scandal under the rug have rapidly commenced, despite victims’ resolve to prevent this. Why should these survivors, who’ve endured unimaginable horrors, bear the burden of urging a powerful and self-preserving institution to enact genuine change?
As he was stepping down, Welby’s allies astonishingly defended him, arguing other senior church members had more knowledge of Smyth’s abuses long before he did. If that’s the case, who are these people, and what actions will be taken to hold them accountable? Every supposedly righteous figure involved should face consequences, yet likely will not, as the church still manages its safeguarding measures.
Patterns of institutional abuse cover-ups are so predictable that it seems reasonable to propose criminal charges for failing to alert authorities when abuse is reported. This might prompt individuals to prioritize the right course of action. The unfolding of this saga starkly illustrates that “justice cannot be replaced by religious contemplation or pious comments,” and the so-called “justice of the powerful is no justice at all.” That insightful statement came from a wise figure—no need to name who.
For those in distress, the NSPCC in the UK offers help for children at 0800 1111 and concerned adults at 0808 800 5000. In the US, reach out to the Childhelp hotline at 800-422-4453. In Australia, children and adults can contact Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or Bravehearts at 1800 272 831, while adult survivors can reach the Blue Knot Foundation at 1300 657 380. Child Helplines International also provides additional resources.
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