Justin Welby, erstwhile Archbishop of Canterbury, pardons repeat offender John Smyth. Gracious forgiveness abounds in this tale.

Welby: I forgive serial abuser John Smyth Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, has spoken out in forgiveness towards John Smyth, a serial abuser at the center of a scandal that led to Welby's resignation. In an interview with the BBC, Welby expressed his forgiveness towards Smyth, emphasizing the need to prioritize helping victims in rebuilding their lives over his personal forgiveness. Smyth, who passed away in 2018, committed heinous acts of abuse against over 100 boys and young men in the UK and Africa over a span of decades. A review conducted in 2024 revealed that Welby could have done more to bring Smyth to justice, leading the former archbishop to acknowledge his "deep sense of personal failure" in the matter. Despite expressing his forgiveness towards Smyth, Welby recognized that the true focus should be on supporting the victims of the abuse inflicted by Smyth. He emphasized the importance of providing care and support to those affected, rather than merely speaking about forgiveness. Welby's forgiveness of Smyth may not sit well with all survivors, some of whom have criticized Welby for failing to engage with them. However, Welby remains steadfast in his stance on forgiveness, while also acknowledging the need for accountability and justice in addressing the abuse within the Church. Overall, Welby's interview with the BBC sheds light on the challenges faced by the Church of England in addressing past failures and moving towards a more inclusive and supportive future. Published by BBC News Tagged: forgiveness, abuse, Church of England, victims, scandal