Petition launched by GS members for resignation of the ABC over the Smyth affair

Nov 11, 2024 by Chris Sugden

Three members of the Church of England’s General Synod have started a petition — backed by a number of high-profile priests — calling on Welby to resign after a report lambasted the church for failing to stop John Smyth, a Christian barrister referred to as the “most prolific serial abuser” in its history. It found that he “brutally” beat 130 boys over 40 years.

The archbishop said last week that he had given serious thought to resigning as recently as last Thursday after the report found that he had at least “some knowledge of the concerns” about Smyth in the early 1980s and showed a “distinct lack of curiosity” about allegations when they surfaced in 2013.

….the petition says: “With sadness we do not think there is any alternative to his immediate resignation if the process of change and healing is to start now.”

Andrew Watson, the Bishop of Guildford, who went to Winchester, has spoken about how he suffered “violent, excruciating and shocking” beatings.

The three synod members behind the petition are regular critics of Welby. The Rev Ian Paul has criticised Welby for backing the blessing of same-sex couples. The Rev Marcus Walker is leading a campaign criticising Welby over the support given to parish priests. The Rev Robert Thompson has led criticism of the church’s handling of safeguarding.

The Times (£) herehttps://www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/article/justin-welby-defies-calls-to-resign-over-prolific-abuser-b230rhq6m