The Bishop of Dover, Rt Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, has clarified her position, firmly stating to the BBC that she is not in the running to replace Justin Welby as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.
Speculation Following Welby’s Resignation
Welby’s recent announcement of his resignation in November has sparked a wave of speculation regarding potential successors.
His decision comes on the heels of a distressing report about John Smyth, who has been labeled as one of the Church of England’s most notorious abusers.
Support for Welby Amidst Criticism
In her recent comments, Hudson-Wilkin expressed deep disappointment over how Welby has been treated during this challenging time.
The investigation revealed that both Welby and other top officials within the Church of England had knowledge of Smyth’s allegations dating back to 2013.
It indicated that he “could and should” have taken more decisive action.
She shared her sadness regarding the situation, making it clear that she wished Welby had not stepped down.
When asked whether she concurred with the report’s assessment that he could have acted more decisively, she highlighted that the police involved in the situation confirmed they had been informed of the allegations.
She also emphasized that it is not standard practice for church leaders to routinely monitor police investigations.
Looking Ahead to the Succession Process
Hudson-Wilkin stressed the need to shift the focus toward implementing the report’s recommendations, underlining the importance of constructively addressing these issues.
Looking ahead, the process for selecting the new Archbishop of Canterbury is set to unfold in the coming months.
Source: Premierchristian.news