2024, a year in the global history of the abuse crisis

 

November 21, 2024

2024, a year in the global history of the abuse crisis

ROME (ITALY)
La Croix International [Montrouge Cedex, France]

November 21, 2024

By Massimo Faggioli

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Signs of the times. The abuse crisis in the church continues unabated, with alarming news becoming the “new normal.” While progress is made in safeguarding, much remains to be done, including implementing a zero-tolerance policy and understanding the deep, ongoing consequences of abuse.

One of the most important news reports in the global and “ecumenical” history of the church abuse crisis received little attention in our ecclesial conversations. On November 12, Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury unexpectedly announced his resignation following the publication of the “Makin Report” and its revelations on the handling of John Smyth’s abuse of boys and young men in the 1970s and 1980s. The search will start soon to replace Welby, who is head of the Diocese of Canterbury, Primate of All England, a member of the House of Lords, and the spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

We have barely paid attention to…