Posted on 03/30/2025 11:09:47 AM PDT by RandFan
Justin Welby has told the BBC he forgives a serial abuser at the heart of a scandal that led to his resignation as Archbishop of Canterbury.
In his first interview since quitting in November last year, Welby said his forgiveness of John Smyth - arguably the most prolific abuser associated with the Church of England - was "irrelevant" and it was more important to help victims "rebuild their lives".
Smyth, who died in 2018, attacked more than 100 boys and young men in the UK and Africa over decades.
A damning 2024 review found Welby "could and should" have done more to bring Smyth to justice, which the former archbishop said he feels a "deep sense of personal failure" over.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.co.uk ...
I wouldn’t forgive Welby.
“Smyth, who died in 2018, attacked more than 100 boys and young men...”
How can you forgive someone for crimes not against you?
This is not biblical.
Unless Welby was one of the hundreds of boys Smyth sexually abused, he has no say in this matter.
Welby forgives himself. As the CofE withers.
So Smyth abused Welby?
Rhetorical question requiring no response.
Exactly. Only his victims can forgive him.
No *official* pronouncement by some clergy means anything.
Did Welby equate himself to God that he has the authority to forgive sins?
Did he ask for forgiveness and repent?
If not forgiveness is not only meaningless but decidedly un-Christian.
L
Justin Welby has resigned as Archbishop of Canterbury after facing increasing pressure to stand down over his failure to report prolific child abuser John Smyth.
And now he’s forgiving him? Something not right with this picture.
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