Reflections on the Archbishop’s Resignation

Dear Church Family,

I was deeply saddened when Justin Welby resigned as Archbishop of Canterbury earlier this week. Not because it wasn't the right thing to do (under the circumstances I think it was) but because, I believe, in the past twelve years he has led with intelligence and grace in often hugely trying circumstances. For the most part I think he has conducted himself with integrity and with a deep desire to faithfully serve the Lord Jesus and his church. 

That said, the safeguarding failings that led to his resignation could not be responded to with a mere apology. As a result of these many more young lives suffered under John Smyth and this is truly awful. Our sorrow for the victims is accompanied by our own deep sadness that Christ's church is once more found wanting as another shameful event is exposed. Indeed, in the past it has been this fear of 'damage to the church's reputation' that has led to the cover-ups that allow abuse to continue. 

The Bishop of Guildford, Andrew Watson, was himself one of the boys so brutally beaten by Smyth at the summer camps many years ago. Writing to all the clergy in the diocese earlier this week, he said:

I cannot speak on behalf of the other victims and wouldn't presume to try. Some of them went through far worse than I did, and others found it understandably hard to relate to someone who is simultaneously a victim and a senior representative of a church that has so badly let them down. I am aware of those tensions in myself too, and have had very much to reflect on since 2017. Those reflections have fed into a determination to adopt a relentlessly victim-centred approach [to safeguarding] here in Guildford Diocese. 

During the ECC meeting on Monday evening we spent some time reflecting on our own commitment to safeguarding. We reaffirmed the importance of an open and transparent culture where safeguarding guidelines are always observed, and where concerns can be reported, knowing they will be taken seriously and dealt with appropriately.

I want to thank Paula Hallam for the hours she dedicates to her role as Safeguarding Officer. Her work is so important and so appreciated. I also want to thank our staff and volunteers who do all they can to make sure The Church on the Heath is a safe space for everyone, regardless of their age and stage in life. 

Please pray for all the victims of John Smyth. Please pray for Justin Welby. Please pray for Andrew Watson. And please pray for the Officers, staff and volunteers here at the Church on the Heath as we work together to serve our Lord Jesus faithfully, safely, lovingly and with transparency. 

Every blessing,

Patrick.