A Statement Regarding the Resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury from the Rt. Rev. Daniel P. Richards, IX
November 13, 2024
Yesterday, Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, announced that he will resign after fulfilling his current duties. He does so due to a scathing report about his handling of an abuse case that took place at an evangelical camp by a prominent barrister who served as a counselor to youth.
The abuse was singular and horrific, and it is unconscionable that it was known about and allowed to continue and to remain unpunished. The barrister died in 2018, five years after Justin became the head of the Church of England.
There have been calls for some time for Archbishop Justin to resign over this issue, and that he does so now is a sign that the Church of England seeks to be accountable for historic abuses to the highest levels of leadership. The entire system of Safeguarding in the Anglican Church has radically changed since these abuses occurred. The questions raised were about accountability and justice.
The Episcopal Church has its own Safeguarding systems, which the Diocese of Upper South Carolina adheres to and in which our congregations all participate. We do not tolerate abuse and work to prevent it at every level. This news only reaffirms our commitment to being a safe and vigilant church.
Abuse leaves behind damage to victims, congregations, and communities far beyond the church. It damages the Church as a sign of Christ's King Reign, where all people are treated as God’s children.
In resigning, the Archbishop takes responsibility for a failure across the Church of England to address and prosecute abuse and to take care of victims. Let us pray for him and the Church throughout the world, for justice and accountability for victims and perpetrators, and healing as we move toward a future where all people are safe from abuse in the Church.
This is part of the vocation of every follower of Christ. We are to care for and protect each other. Though we are not called to safety out in the world — after all, we are sent as sheep among wolves* — every member of Christ’s flock should be safe in the fold of his care.
Let us guard each other as we are accountable so we may boldly preach grace first with our lives and then with our words.
