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Former Archbishop Welby Expresses Forgiveness for John Smyth in BBC Interview
The past leader of the Church of England, Justin Welby, has stated in a BBC interview that he forgives John Smyth, the convicted abuser. This declaration comes after Welby’s resignation linked to his handling of abuse allegations against Smyth. The unexpected admission, made during an interview with Laura Kuenssberg on her Sunday program, visibly surprised panel guest Jane Moore.
Forgiveness “Largely Irrelevant” to Survivors, Says Welby
Welby conceded that his personal forgiveness of Smyth holds “limited relevance.” He elaborated that the topic of forgiveness should only be addressed once abuse survivors are “adequately supported by the Church” and “empowered to rebuild their lives.” When directly questioned by Kuenssberg about whether he forgave John Smyth, Welby responded affirmatively, “Yes.”
Welby’s Focus Remains on Survivor Support
Expanding on his position, Welby clarified, “My forgiveness is personal. Smyth’s abuse was directed at his victims and survivors, not me.” He emphasized the Church’s priority should be:
- Ensuring survivors are adequately loved and cared for.
- Empowering survivors to rebuild their lives.
He acknowledged the diverse responses of survivors to abuse and reiterated that the Church’s actions are paramount in supporting their healing journeys.
Victim Reaction and Church’s Role in Enabling Forgiveness
When questioned about the potential reaction of Smyth’s victims to his forgiveness, Welby stated his preceding remarks addressed this directly. He explained his answer was honest and in response to a direct question.
Welby further asserted, “No survivor should feel obligated to forgive.” He stressed that the Church’s responsibility lies in creating an environment where survivors can freely consider forgiveness, without pressure or direction, even from figures like an Archbishop. He reiterated that providing this supportive environment is the core issue.
Panel Discussion: Jane Moore’s “Gasped” Reaction
Following the BBC interview broadcast, a panel discussion ensued, focusing on Welby’s statements. Kuenssberg inquired if Jane Moore, of “Loose Women,” was taken aback by Welby’s admission of forgiveness. Moore responded, “I gasped, actually.”
Moore elaborated on her reaction, stating, “There was so much to analyze in that interview. The adage ‘evil prevails when good people do nothing’ comes to mind. He embodies the conventional image of a ‘good man,’ yet inaction occurred. This isn’t a minor error; it involves extensive, appalling abuse. For someone in his position to have had any awareness of such events and to defer responsibility is astonishing.”