Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, has said he failed to take action over sexual abuse allegations within the Church of England because he was too “overwhelmed” by the scale of them. It was his first interview since quitting in November, after an independent review found he should have done more to bring a former acquaintance and serial abuser within the Church, John Smyth, to justice.
“Every day more cases were coming across the desk that had been in the past, hadn’t been dealt with adequately… and yes I knew Smyth but it was an absolutely overwhelming few weeks,” he told the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.
This is far from comforting to victims of abuse within the Church of England – and indeed, appallingly, within the interview Welby said he forgave Smyth – who targeted over a 100 boys and young men over several years.
However, it is important to note that Welby was very clear that the reason for his lack of judgement was not an excuse: “It was overwhelming, one was trying to prioritise – but I think it’s easy to sound defensive over this.”
“The reality is I got it wrong. As Archbishop, there are no excuses.”
In a world where public figures tend to be defined by an unshakable confidence, bordering on delusion, it might almost seem disarming to hear an acknowledgement of limitations. We have seen time and time again, an inability to acknowledge any fallibility from CEOs, politicians and religious leaders.
But is this humility from Welby or, in fact, a convenient shield? He may not intend it as an excuse, but it functions as one – diverting attention from his shocking failure to address the Church of England’s myriad clergy sexual abuse scandals.
Welby lamented that we are not prepared to forgive our leaders when they falter. He suggested that society increasingly expects perfection, failing to acknowledge the immense pressures public figures face: “There is an absence of forgiveness; we don’t treat our leaders as human.”
This may be true. But there was no one-off failing from Welby. Survivors have long criticised Welby’s “inadequate” response, arguing expressions of sorrow have not been matched by action. The Church has repeatedly been accused of protecting its own, offering victims little justice. Welby’s claim that he was “overwhelmed” may be true, but nevertheless systemic failings persisted under his leadership. Does acknowledging the burden of responsibility absolve him of failing to carry it?
Welby’s farewell speech, which he now claims to regret, did not help. It appeared tone-deaf given what had occurred under his tenure. His defensive and self-congratulatory remarks reinforced the sense that his admissions of struggle have not been accompanied by a willingness to take responsibility for the Church’s failures.
square STEFANO HATFIELD
I'm a teacher - Adolescence is making parents realise young men are in big trouble
Read MoreThere is a fine line between vulnerability and deflection. Welby may not consciously engage in the latter, but his admission is a pre-emptive strike against critics. By admitting he was overwhelmed, he invites sympathy rather than judgment, shifting the focus from what went wrong to how impossible the job was in the first place.
You could argue it’s easier to trust a leader who admits they struggle rather than one who pretends to be infallible. However, admission of weakness should not be a substitute for taking responsibility.
Welby has done something few in his position ever do: he has admitted that the weight of leadership was too much for him. But it cannot and must not become a way to sidestep the valid criticisms of his tenure.
If he is truly intent on leaving the Church of England in a better state than he found it, then he must remain dedicated to addressing the failings he now acknowledges. Honesty is valuable. But action is what really counts.
Hence then, the article about justin welby s vulnerability serves as deflection was published today ( ) and is available on inews ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Justin Welby’s vulnerability serves as deflection )
Also on site :
- My Wife Doesn’t Know I Watched Her Cheat On Me. My Reaction Might Shock Us Both.
- The Good Ship Murder Christmas special cast: Meet the characters
- Eight fire crews tackling blaze at West Midlands Wetherspoon pub