London, United Kingdom – Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, 69, has resigned following an abuse scandal, marking the end of his 11-year tenure as leader of the Church of England and spiritual head of the worldwide Anglican community. Welby, who stepped down in November, is expected to wind up his duties by Monday.
2012
- November: Welby, then the bishop of Durham, was named as the new Archbishop of Canterbury after Queen Elizabeth II nominated him.
2013
- March: Welby’s enthronement at Canterbury Cathedral marked several firsts, including the first woman chaplain and the first female cleric to enthrone an archbishop.
- July: Welby pledged to put payday lender Wonga out of existence, supporting not-for-profit credit unions.
2014
- February: Welby backed a campaign against the Conservative government’s welfare cuts.
- June: The Church warned clergy against joining political parties promoting racism.
- July: The Church voted for women to become bishops, overturning centuries of tradition.
2015
- February: The Church criticized British democracy and the immigration debate.
- April: The Church divested £12 million from thermal coal and tar sands companies.
2016
- April: The Church released a prayer for the EU referendum campaign.
- June: Welby voted for Britain to stay in the EU.
2018
- May: Welby officiated at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.
- September: A survey found only 14% of Britons identified with the Church of England.
2019
- March: The Church appealed for unity amidst Brexit uncertainty.
2020
- March: The Church suspended public worship due to the pandemic.
- June: The Church acknowledged its historic role in slavery.
- October: Welby condemned the Church’s failure to protect children from sexual predators.
2021
- November: Welby apologized for comparing climate inaction to ignoring Nazi warnings.
2022
- April: Welby condemned the plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.
- September: Welby addressed Queen Elizabeth’s state funeral.
2023
- January: The Church committed £100 million to address its links to slavery and set plans for same-sex blessings.
- February: The Church reviewed gender-neutral terms for God.
- April: Anglican leaders lost confidence in Welby over same-sex unions.
- May: Welby presided over King Charles’ coronation.
- June: The Church disinvested from fossil fuels.
- November: The Church’s legislative body backed same-sex blessings on a trial basis.
2024
- June: Conservative Church leaders threatened to split over same-sex services.
- November 11: Welby faced pressure to resign over an abuse scandal.
- November 12: Welby resigned, marking an unprecedented moment for the Church.