Church of England’s Justin Welby sorry for ‘naive’ John Smyth appointment

Welby says he is ‘deeply sorry’ for ‘hurt’ caused by former Bishop of Southwark’s past comments on homosexuality

The Archbishop of Canterbury has apologized for the “hurt” caused by the appointment of a former bishop who made homophobic comments.

Justin Welby said he was “naive” to appoint John Smyth as Bishop of Southwark in 2019.

Smyth resigned in 2021 after it emerged that he had made comments comparing homosexuality to bestiality and pedophilia.

In a statement, Welby said: “I am deeply sorry for the hurt that John Smyth’s comments have caused. I was naive to appoint him as Bishop of Southwark and I take full responsibility for that.”

He added: “I want to assure you that I am committed to creating a Church of England that is welcoming and inclusive of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation.”

Smyth’s appointment was controversial from the outset. He had previously been criticized for his views on homosexuality, and some LGBT+ groups called for him to be removed from his post.

In 2021, it emerged that Smyth had made further homophobic comments in a private letter to a friend. In the letter, he said that homosexuality was “a sin against God” and that gay people were “not fit to be bishops or priests.”

Smyth resigned as Bishop of Southwark shortly after the letter was made public.

Welby’s apology comes amid a wider debate about the Church of England’s attitude towards LGBT+ people.

In 2017, the Church voted against a motion to allow same-sex marriage. However, there is a growing movement within the Church to change its stance on LGBT+ issues.

In 2022, the Church of England launched a listening process to hear from LGBT+ people about their experiences within the Church.

The process is ongoing, but it is hoped that it will lead to a more inclusive and welcoming Church for all.