The Makin Report into the abuse committed by John Smyth has highlighted serious failures in the culture, structures, and leadership of the Church of England. We are deeply ashamed of these failures, and the way that survivors have been betrayed.

Alongside other concerns, the report highlights the particular responsibility of Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, for these failures. He ‘held a personal and moral responsibility to pursue this further, whatever the policies at play at the time required’ which he failed to fulfil. 

Given his role in allowing abuse to continue, we believe that his continuing as the Archbishop of Canterbury is no longer tenable. We must see change, for the sake of survivors, for the protection of the vulnerable, and for the good of the Church—and we share this determination across our traditions. With sadness we do not think there is any alternative to his immediate resignation if the process of change and healing is to start now.

Revd Dr Ian Paul, member of General Synod and the Archbishops’ Council
Revd Robert Thompson, Vicar of St Mary's Kilburn & St James' West Hampstead, Member of General Synod. 
Revd Marcus Walker, Vicar of Great St Bartholomew, member of General Synod