Church of England figure abused at least 130 boys
Fallen from grace after days of pressure, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has stepped down over his management of one of the worst sexual abuse scandals in the history of the Anglican Church.
The man who brought him down, John Smyth, was a powerful barrister and prominent volunteer within the church who ran Christian holiday camps.
Over five decades, he abused at least 130 boys and young men in the UK as well as Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Archbishop of Canterbury quits
Andrew Moore, one of the victims, says Smyth groomed him over a number of years.
The abuse itself was physical. It was caning, many, many hits with a cane, but far more damaging to me was the mental anguish that came along with it, and the sort of counting down from one beating to another.
Andrew Morse, Survivor of Abuse
In 2013, the archbishop became aware of the full extent of the abuse perpetrated by Smyth, but failed to act rigorously.
Justin Welby's position became untenable after a damning report into the scandal was published.
It accused the Church of abandoning Smyth's many victims and allowing a sadistic serial abuser to escape justice.
His critics say the Archbishop's resignation should only be the first step.
Justin Welby is not the only senior cleric that should resign.
There are several other bishops and leading Anglican clergy who should also resign. But even that is not enough.
They should face a tribunal, ecclesiastical tribunal, to hold them accountable for their actions.
Resignation is an easy way out.
Dr Stephen Sizer, Founder Peace Maker Trust
The new scandal has served as a bitter reminder of sexual abuse and cover ups by the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches over the years.
Sadly this is not unique.
There have been instances of systemic child abuse within other denominations, you mentioned the Roman Catholic denomination, and it's good that it's been exposed.
It's just lamentable that it has taken so long.
Dr Stephen Sizer, Founder Peace Maker Trust
Smyth died in 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa, leaving behind a Church rocked to its core for yet again failing to deal with another prolific abuser.
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