Welby Lays Down Staff To Mark His Final Act As Archbishop of Canterbury

After spending little time in public since his resignation, Welby spent his final day leading the Church of England privately at his London base of Lambeth Palace.

His duties will mainly pass to the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, until a permanent successor is appointed, a process that is expected to take several months.

It comes as many important changes are being debated by the Church, including on safeguarding – the issue linked to Welby’s resignation and one that has led to questions about Cottrell.

On Monday, the feast of Epiphany in the Christian calendar, Welby attended two services at Lambeth Palace, a Eucharist at lunchtime and Evensong later in the day.

After Evensong, he laid down his bishop’s crozier – a ceremonial staff – in a symbolic act marking the end of his ministry as Archbishop of Canterbury, and will formally end his time as archbishop at midnight.

In the evening he attended Compline, a service of contemplative prayer, Lambeth Palace said.

He had met friends, staff and former colleagues throughout the day, expressing his gratitude for their dedication, su

Welby resigned over the Church’s handling of the sadistic abuser John Smyth, who a recently published report said perpetrated brutal sexual, physical and mental abuse against more than 120 boys and young men since the late 1970s.

The report said Welby had “personal and moral responsibility” and that he “could and should have done more” in the case.

After initially resisting calls to step down, he resigned on 12 November saying he did so “in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse”.

Welby did not give a Christmas Day sermon at Canterbury Cathedral and did not broadcast a New Year’s Day message, as he usually would through the BBC.

During the service of Evensong, Mr Welby laid down his bishop’s crozier – a ceremonial long staff – in a symbolic act which marked the official end of his ministry as Archbishop of Canterbury

Lambeth Palace said he would not be giving any interviews before leaving his role, which he is doing on Monday on his 69th birthday. He steps down exactly a year earlier than expected.

From midnight on Monday, some of his duties in London will be carried out by the Bishop of London Sarah Mullally and those in his Canterbury diocese by the Bishop of Dover Rose Hudson-Wilkin.

The bulk of his responsibilities will be carried out by Cottrell, who has himself faced calls to step down over his handling of an abuse case.