One prominent church official believes that bishops hesitated to demand the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury due to concerns about their own prospects for advancement.
Justin Welby, who has held the position since 2013, stepped down following the release of a report highlighting the Church’s concealment of sexual abuse perpetrated by John Smyth, a barrister who conducted Christian summer camps.
The findings indicated that Smyth could have faced justice had Mr. Welby promptly alerted the authorities upon his appointment as archbishop. Instead, Smyth passed away at the age of 75 in South Africa in 2018, while still under investigation.
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Dr. Helen-Ann Hartley, the Bishop of Newcastle, was the solitary voice advocating for Mr. Welby’s resignation after it became known that he had financially contributed to Smyth’s missions in Zimbabwe.
Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley was the only bishop to demand Mr. Welby’s resignation.
She speculates that others refrained from making similar calls because bishops are hesitant to critique senior figures in the Church, as they aspire to succeed him in the esteemed position.
Bishop Helen-Ann remarked on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips: “Silence conveys various messages. Some remain quiet, possibly envisioning themselves as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.
“Others dread the consequences of speaking out, as I know that peers have received correspondences resembling mine, which carry a significant weight in tone.
“Thus, I believe they are genuinely driven by a fear of maintaining a low profile and feeling unable to voice their opinions.”
Bishop Helen-Ann stated that Keith Makin, the author of the report, “has uncovered a multitude of dysfunction” within the Church.
She perceives that her colleagues have become accustomed to “staying under the radar and carrying out their responsibilities.”
Justin Welby announced his resignation as Archbishop of Canterbury on Tuesday. Pic: Reuters
“However, there are instances when a prophetic voice is essential, and we must take a stand. Furthermore, I believe that fear coupled with silence can align with certain damaging theologies entrenched in church life for numerous decades, which exacerbate issues surrounding gender, sexuality, and ethnicity.”
Read more: Is there a risk of the Church fracturing over same-sex marriage?
Following Mr. Welby’s departure, her fellow bishops started to vocalize their concerns.
The Church’s deputy lead bishop for safeguarding stated it is “not a secure institution” in several respects – suggesting that further resignations may be necessary.
The Church opted not to elaborate on the comments made by the Bishop of Newcastle.
The comprehensive interview with Bishop Helen-Ann will be broadcast tomorrow on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, live from 8:30 AM.
