Church of England Faces Scrutiny Over Abuse Scandal and Leadership Fallout

Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley accuses colleagues of silence and careerism following Archbishop Justin Welby’s resignation after a damning abuse report.

Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley, who called for Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to resign, says she has been isolated by fellow bishops since his resignation last month.
An independent report revealed systemic failures in the Church of England’s response to allegations of abuse by John Smyth, who harmed over 130 individuals across three countries.
Hartley criticized other bishops for remaining silent, alleging some are motivated by ambitions to succeed Welby as archbishop.
She has called for serving bishops implicated in the report, including Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, to step back from ministry pending investigations.
The Church of England is reviewing its safeguarding practices, with plans to introduce a model of independent oversight at the next General Synod in February.