Justin Welby’s resignation is too little too late for victims of abuse

The Archbishop of Canterbury had to step down. But it’s what happens next that will decide the fate of the Church of England, says abuse survivor Samantha Smith

Most Rev Justin Welby has stirred controversy throughout his term as Archbishop of Canterbury, from drawing criticism over progressive policy initiatives to the Church of England’s glacial paced return to in-person services after the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, the various achievements – and controversies – of his tenure will likely be overshadowed by his last 120 hours in office. A week may feel rather fast to end the career of the foremost clergyman in England but, make no mistake, Welby’s resignation was not a noble act of accountability. It was an overdue admission of his moral and organisational failure.