Archbishop of Canterbury preached at Liverpool Cathedral days after review published

The Dean of Liverpool has issued a statement following the Archbishop of Canterbury’s resignation over his handling of an abuse scandal. Justin Welby announced he would step down from his role after a review found the 68-year-old “could and should” have reported prolific child abuser John Smyth.

The independent Makin Review concluded that barrister John Smyth might have been brought to justice had the Archbishop formally alerted authorities in 2013. It said this was not the case, as Mr Welby did not follow up rigorously enough on reports of Smyth’s “abhorrent” abuse of more than 100 boys and young men.

Despite the review being published on Thursday, November 7, the Archbishop was still allowed to preach at Liverpool Cathedral several days later for a Remembrance Sunday service.

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A spokesperson for the Cathedral confirmed to the ECHO, it was aware of the report but not aware of the calls for the Archbishop to resign and “therefore had no reason to change the pre-arranged appointment”.

The Dean of Liverpool, the Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, told the ECHO: “Like so many in the community, I have reacted with horror at the details of the abuse by John Smyth, and I share the widespread concern that so many have had with the response of the Church of England to this dreadful abuse. I pray for those survivors and all survivors of abuse.

“I understand and respect why Archbishop Justin has chosen to take responsibility and resign. However the Church of England needs to learn the lessons about the way we do safeguarding. As Dean, I remain committed to working hard to have a strong safeguarding culture, support survivors and provide a safe space for all at Liverpool Cathedral.”

The preaching by the Archbishop was a “long-standing appointment with the date set earlier this year around his diary”. The event, described as “low-key”, was for the regular congregation and described as an opportunity for Mr Welby “to connect with many who knew him when he was the cathedral Dean”.

It is not immediately clear when the Archbishop will leave his post, but finding a replacement could take at least six months. In his resignation statement, Justin Welby said: "Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury.

“The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth. When I was informed in 2013 and told that the police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow. It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the victims of the Church of England-linked abuser had been “failed very, very badly”. However, he refused to comment directly on Mr Welby’s position, saying it was a “matter, in the end, for the church”.