“Justin Welby’s inaction allowed John Smyth to commit more crimes”

The Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned after allegations he failed to prevent child sexual abuse.

His resignation follows a highly critical Church of England report that found the Rev. Justin Welby failed to properly handle allegations of physical and sexual abuse by lawyer John Smyth, who abused 115 children and young men in Christian youth camps.

Before the resignation, an exclusive Telegraph poll found that 93 percent of over 58,000 readers called for the archbishop to resign.

“It’s too little, too late”

In light of this news, Jules Forrest was pleased with the resignation of Rev. Justin Welby.

Ms Forrest said: “God has spoken. Can we repair God’s house now that Welby and his predecessor destroyed it? I hope that the victims of this demon Smyth feel some vindication, but I fear it is too little, too late.”

Reader Cassandra Blackley didn’t think his resignation was enough: “By his inaction he enabled and de facto collaborated with a prolific sadistic man.

“If a school principal had failed in the same way, he would be banned from working in education, potentially face criminal charges of professional misconduct and breach of trust, and could lose his pension if found guilty. Why can he just resign?”

Jane Mary de Woolfson added: “The stubborn man has ruined his reputation and legacy by not resigning immediately. “His morals are seriously questionable.”

“One would have thought that any child abuse would be serious enough to warrant action?”

Justin Welby has been formally made aware of allegations of abuse committed by John Smyth in 2013. However, he failed to investigate the allegations and ensure that the police investigated the allegations.

Many Telegraph readers were outraged at the explanation he gave to Channel 4 and why he had not done so.

He told newsreader Cathy Newman: “I really had no idea anything as terrible as this was going on.”

Channel 4 News

Reader Rebecca Turner said: “He didn’t know it was ‘that serious’. Would anyone have thought that any child abuse was “severe” enough to warrant action?”

John Bowes highlighted Mr Welby’s choice of words: “Notice his language, he knew nothing of the terrible thing that was going on. Or to put it another way: “I knew something was going on and chose not to do anything.”

An anonymous reader, baffled by Mr Welby’s downplaying of the serious allegations against him, argued: “He was unaware of the seriousness of the crimes.” Pardon? This was child abuse.

“There is no level of seriousness beyond which it suddenly becomes a heinous crime, it’s child abuse for heaven’s sake. By that logic, would he ignore a serial killer if he wasn’t aware of the barbarity of the murders?”

“His inaction enabled this man to commit further crimes.”

In 2018, John Smyth was investigated by Hampshire police but died in the same year. Mr Welby’s failure to report him in 2013 meant Smyth was never brought to justice.

William Taylor laments the terrible consequences of inaction, which he says has “enabled this man to commit more crimes.” Simple facts that he cannot seem to comprehend.”

Paul Stanfield finds it incomprehensible that Welby did not understand the need for an investigation into the allegations against Smyth.

As a member of the Church of England, he explains: “I have just completed the Church of England Safeguarding online training again. It is clear that concern should lead to action. The Archbishop, who unwisely interferes in politics, has paid no attention to the protective principles of the Church.”

“Instead of doing his job, he took part in left-wing politics”

Some readers, such as AD, criticize Welby’s use of his position as head of the church to serve as a political pressure group.

“He has been the head of the Church of Woke for more than a decade – a destructive left-wing liability that is ruining the country instead of doing his primary job of interfering in left-wing politics when no one has asked for his opinion,” he said.

After Mr Welby set up a £100m fund for the Church of England to “address past injustices of slavery”, Mandy B criticized this moral hubris and suggested the church should address its recent failings: “I would also suggest that instead.” The next incumbent will address the issue of “reparations” for slavery and address compensation for the poor boys who were mistreated.”

Finally, reader David J. concluded: “This is a man who has no moral compass at all – he has brought about the degradation of the Church of England and the emptying of its churches across the country.” He deserves the humiliation and ignominy that will certainly come.”

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, savings and more.