Statement on the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury
LONDON, Ontario, November 12 – BISHOP TODD TOWNSHEND, on behalf of the Diocese of Huron, joins Archbishop Anne Germond, Acting Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, in her statement relating to the news that the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has resigned.
The Archbishop of Canterbury resigned earlier today acknowledging “personal and institutional responsibility” for the “long-maintained conspiracy of silence” in abuse of children and young people, as exposed in an independent review into the Church of England’s handling of allegations of serious abuse by the late John Smyth (“Makin Review”, published on November 7, 2024).
“Our hearts break for the children and young people who were abused by Smyth and further victimized by the lack of meaningful action on the part of the church”, states Archbishop Germond adding that the Anglican Church of Canada “is committed to continuing the work needed to make the church a safe place for all, in keeping with our baptismal covenant to respect the dignity of every human being.”
“We pray for the humility, courage and wisdom needed for this all-important work.”