Reflection on resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Lambeth Palace. Image ICN/JS

Source: St Martin in the Fields

Revd Dr Sam Wells, Vicar of St Martin in the Fields writes:

To be subject to profound and repeated physical abuse at a vulnerable age is among the worst things to befall anyone. Those who have had the courage to come forward and detail their experiences at the hands of a distorted individual over a period of decades must be at the very centre of the church's care and concern.

While the individual responsible was not an employee of the Church of England, and the channels through which he worked were not under the authority of the Church of England, it was nonetheless right that the Archbishop of Canterbury commissioned Keith Makin to investigate whether there was anything the church could have done to have prevented these terrible crimes and what lessons could be learned. After five years, the Makin Review has concluded that the church could have done much better, and has pointed the finger at certain individuals in particular. The central issue is that the information came to light in 2013, but between then and his death at his own hand in 2018, the perpetrator abused several dozen more people - and it's not clear how this was permitted to happen.

Over recent decades the church, along with many organisations, has undergone a radical reappraisal of its procedures around safeguarding children and adults at risk of harm. This has been a huge institutional culture change. The simple principles of vigilance, reporting and safeguarding being everyone's responsibility have made the church a much safer place. One result of that is that failures stand out painfully; and failure in relation to a case as grievous as this is something neither church nor society is able to countenance. The church has failed many individuals whose lives have been impacted beyond description. It puts in question the significant progress that has been made. And it undermines the church's credibility all over again.

It is this that has led to the news today of the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, as a result of the words in the Makin Report that suggest that he, along with others, could have acted differently - and that if they had, many could have been saved from an unspeakable experience of harm. Leadership can be lonely; in today's culture, when there is a very great wrong, there is a corresponding tide of demand that a leader visibly pay the price for an institution's failings. It is tragic that a primacy bringing such profound good in so many areas, conducted by a person of singular faith, courage, humility and integrity, should end like this. But it seems the Archbishop has concluded that the unheard pleas of survivors, the degree of institutional failure, and the fact that his own role in the case was not impeccable, have together made it impossible for him to continue. His dignity and selflessness are an example to all of us.

These are very sad matters. No one is glad about this course of events. It is a time for sitting in silence together and realising our fragility; and for listening to and upholding those who've been through profound trauma. If these events have stirred up memories and emotions that are difficult and painful, please be in touch. My colleagues and I are here to listen. It is the centre of our calling.

Tender God, look with mercy on all who have experienced profound harm and any for whom faith is associated with hurt and damage. Bless those for whom this week's events have stirred up memories and emotions that evoke grief and woundedness. Send your Spirit on your church, that it may be wiser and more rigorous even as it is sadder and humbler. Surround Archbishop Justin as he faces the glare of public scrutiny and blame. Guide your church to cherish all your children, exalted leaders and vulnerable members, that in your Son's broken body we may see not only sorrow but also your everlasting faithfulness to us. In Christ we pray. Amen.

Revd Dr Sam Wells
Vicar