Ian Hislop, the editor of Private Eye, has strongly criticized the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, for attending a gala event at the British Museum just one day after announcing his resignation due to an abuse scandal within the Church of England. Hislop found it “jaw-dropping” that Welby would attend such an event after resigning amidst a scandal involving the cover-up of abuse by John Smyth.
In his column for Private Eye, Hislop expressed his disapproval of Welby’s attendance at the gala and recounted an exchange between the two where Hislop sarcastically commented on the resignation. Hislop also condemned those at the event who approached Welby to comfort him and praise him for his resignation, emphasizing the need for justice for the victims of the abuse scandal.
The resignation of Justin Welby comes after mounting pressure following the damning Makin Review, which revealed failures in handling the case of John Smyth, a prolific abuser associated with the Church. Smyth’s abuse spanned five decades in multiple countries and affected numerous victims, yet he was never brought to justice before his death in 2018.
Following Welby’s resignation, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell will assume his official duties. The process of appointing the next Archbishop will be carried out by the Crown Nominations Commission, which will eventually present a candidate for approval by the Prime Minister and the King.
The scandal surrounding Welby’s resignation has been extensively covered by Private Eye, shedding light on the need for accountability and justice in cases of abuse within the Church. Hislop’s criticism of Welby’s post-resignation appearance at a glamorous event underscores the importance of acknowledging the severity of the abuse scandal and prioritizing the well-being of the victims.
As the Church of England navigates the aftermath of this scandal and prepares for a transition in leadership, the focus remains on addressing past failures, seeking justice for victims, and ensuring accountability within the institution. The resignation of Justin Welby marks a pivotal moment in the Church’s history, prompting reflection and calls for reform to prevent similar abuses from occurring in the future.
