Head of the Anglican Church resigns
Justin Welby. Photo: lbc.co.uk
On 12 November 2024, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby announced his resignation following an investigation into sexual abuse allegations involving John Smyth and acknowledged his responsibility for failing to take adequate measures to protect victims over more than a decade.
In his statement, the Archbishop said, "Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty the King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury."
The Archbishop admitted his mistakes in handling the situation, stating that he had hoped for a fair investigation but that did not occur.
According to Justin Welby, the situation requires both his personal and institutional accountability: "It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024."
The Archbishop expressed hope that his resignation would underscore the Anglican Church's serious commitment to change and its desire to create a safer church.
He also stated that he believes his "stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England ", which he "dearly loves".
As earlier reported, the Anglican Church will spend £1 billion to atone for its involvement in slavery.
Read also
Church celebrates feast of Holy Foremost Apostles Peter and Paul
On July 12, the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, the Apostles' Fast (Peter's Fast) comes to an end for Orthodox Christians.
UGCC cleric criticizes OCU head for awarding Greek Catholic officials
Hieromonk Yustyn Boiko of the Lviv Archeparchy called the awarding of church honors to officials a profanation and cited the example of an OCU order presented to a Greek Catholic official.
Expert who found no defamation in Dumenko’s remarks to face disciplinary action
An Interior Ministry research center has confirmed disciplinary measures against the expert whose findings supported what the Metropolitan’s representatives described as unfounded accusations by the OCU head against Metropolitan Theodosiy.
European Parliament condemns forced Islamization of children in Pakistan
The European Parliament has called on Pakistan to establish a mechanism to protect Christian families.
Church of the Presentation damaged by shelling in Russia’s Kursk Region
The newly built church in the village of Kulbaki, Glushkovo District, was completely gutted by fire after being struck by a projectile.
UOC priests take part in celebrations at Romania’s Putna Monastery
Clergy of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy took part in a festive service at the ancient shrine of the Romanian Orthodox Church.