Archbishop Welby Resigns.

 The Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned, after a review found his failure to alert authorities to historic abuse in 2013 may have prevented prolific abuser John Smyth being brought to justice. Inside the Church these days we can all agree that culture change is needed within the Church Of England, but will a new leader bring about that change quickly? There is much needed conversations within the higher echelons of clergy about power and control, not just safeguarding that needs to happen.

The Archbishop is now facing those thoughts about whether he should face charges for keeping quiet about the most appalling of abuses. It goes to say that this silence has been costly to Welby who now will be remembered for his lack of action and secrecy, rather than the Archbishop who crowned the King.

Justin Welby is a human being and as humans we all get things wrong. Granted Welby will face disciplinary action but we need to remember that he has family and friends who are in this mess too. This is not to excuse Welby, he is in the wrong however he is being subjected to the authorities and ultimately God. We dont need to jump in on this, things will play themselves out down the appropriate route. We shouldn't drag his family and friends into isolation and slights. It is true that Welby should not have kept quiet, his latest interviews do nothing to help his cause. Those in the Synod agreed Welby should resign and now those same people that make up the Synod need to recognise the humanity and vulnerability of those abuse victims of crime. This sorry story needs to pass and pass quickly for all involved.

Those rejoicing over Welby resigning, Is Lambeth Palace innocent in all of this? How many abuses has the Church played a part of that we still do not know about? Who else is keeping quiet?

We now need a strong leader to replace Welby and steer this sinking ship that is the Church of England into stable waters. It will not be easy, and whoever takes the calling up needs to have a strong sense of direction and authority, and the glorious love of God with the desire to help serve His people.

I think the fall out for churches is to now focus strongly on safeguarding measures to keep people safe. However we can become hysterical about safeguarding if we are not careful, looking in all the wrong places for signs of abuse. We dont want to get to the point whereby a screaming child in church service has everyone paranoid abuse is going on. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. We need a good balance with the community and church family in general. Also its not just children and young people that need safeguarding, its vulnerable adults too. So those who are mentally unwell or spiritually unwell.

We also need to pray for the victims of the historic abuse as the news may open wounds that may never have healed. We need to hold them in prayer as this news story unfurls and we need to remember that something like this must never be allowed to happen again.

Welby , you finally did the right thing. Now its time for God to deal with you from here on in.

Never stay silent when it comes to abuse, silence is sometimes seen as compliance.

Not something you want to secretly take to your grave.