Justin Welby Forgives John Smyth After Resignation Over Abuse Scandal

In his first interview since resigning as Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby expressed forgiveness for serial abuser John Smyth, stating that his forgiveness is largely irrelevant compared to the needs of the victims. Welby, who faced criticism for his handling of allegations against Smyth, acknowledged a 'deep sense of personal failure' over his inaction, particularly as a report suggested he could have reported Smyth to the police in 2013. He emphasized the importance of supporting survivors, stating that discussions of forgiveness should come only after they feel loved and enabled to rebuild their lives. During the interview, he reaffirmed that he never pressured survivors to forgive, as that choice belongs solely to them. The 2024 Makin Report criticized Welby for not adequately addressing the allegations against Smyth, who abused over 100 boys and young men across decades and continents. Smyth died in 2018 without facing justice for his actions, and the Church's institutional failures have compounded the suffering of the victims.