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12 November 2024
To the People of our Diocese of New Westminster,
Many of you will have undoubtedly heard the News earlier today of the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Justin Welby.
In his letter of resignation, Archbishop Welby recognized he failed to act on information presented to him in 2013 about the abuses carried out by John Smyth, a barrister, lay preacher, and camp director within the Church of England.
The priority of the Church must always be to ensure the safety and well-being of its most vulnerable members. The circumstances of abuse that precipitated this event are truly horrendous, and the neglect of justice and concern for victims is distressing.
Our prayers go out today for all victims of abuse who find themselves drawn into this story once again, for Archbishop Justin and his family, and for the justice of God’s kingdom to be made known in the church at large.
We lament the distress this will cause to The Church of England—our sibling church and its members, and to the Anglican Communion globally. We recommit ourselves to working towards the safeguarding of those most vulnerable in our communities.
Access to 24/7 supportive services for victims of crime and trauma throughout BC can be found at victimlinkbc.ca or by calling 1-800-563-0808. The Mental Health Crisis Line can be reached at 310-6789.
A prayer shared in Canterbury Cathedral tonight
Most gracious God, we pray to you for your holy Church. Fill it with all truth;
in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purge it. Where it is in error, direct it.
Where anything is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen and defend it.
Where it is in want, provide for it. Where it is divided, heal it and reunite it in your love;
for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
-- Archbishop William Laud --
Yours in Christ,
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