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The Church of England is facing a difficult time following the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Although he had been attempting to steer the institution in a better direction, Welby had become increasingly criticised for the Church’s inability to keep people safe. For many victims of abuse, the events of the past week have been deeply painful and a reminder that the Church is still not an entirely trustworthy institution.
Despite the turmoil within the Church, it still contains a wide range of views within the same fold. While it has accepted women bishops, there remain male bishops who are allowed to refuse to ordain women. Similarly, while prayers for same-sex couples have been introduced, clergy retain the option not to lead such blessings. The debates and divisions surrounding these issues are reflective of the polarisation seen within modern Britain.
Welby saw it as part of his job to hold together the different factions that exist within the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion. He has spent his tenure finding common ground through 12 years that have seen other momentous social changes. His efforts have been focused on the survival of a Church that is experiencing falling numbers and a distinct lack of alignment with any religion.
Welby has been credited with ushering through the vote that eventually allowed women to become bishops. His journey on the issue of sexuality and same-sex unions has been more complex, shifting from a very conservative position to one in which he was supportive of the eventual move. However, this move was seen by some as a fudge, with no significant change in Church teaching and with clarification later being given to African Churches that the blessing prayers were to bless the individuals in the same-sex union rather than the union itself.
Some within the Church are calling for a more theologically focused leader to take over. However, others are concerned that there needs to be an executive leader to stem the decline in faithful followers. The tribalism and polarisation seen in the Church makes some anxious that only a skilled politician will be able to keep the institution together. Despite his efforts, Welby failed to do enough on the important issue of safeguarding. The Church must now address this issue decisively in order to rebuild lost trust
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