Justin Welby SNUBBED as the Children's Society REFUSES to accept Christmas donation that 'would not be consistent with their principles and values'
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The Children's Society has rejected a Christmas donation from the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, stating it would not align with their work supporting victims of child sexual abuse.
The charity announced on Friday they had "respectfully decided" not to accept the donation from Welby, who will step down in early January over the Church of England's handling of abuse scandals.
Earlier this week, Welby sent a festive e-card announcing his donation to The Children's Society, noting the charity's work with children affected by criminal and sexual exploitation and abuse.
Mark Russell, the charity's chief executive, explained their decision: "After careful consideration, we have respectfully decided not to accept the donation offered by the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Children's Society has rejected a Christmas donation from the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, stating it would not align with their work supporting victims of child sexual abuse
PA/ Getty
"The Children's Society is deeply committed to supporting the survivors of abuse, our teams support victims of child sexual abuse, and this means that accepting this donation would not be consistent with the principles and values that underpin our work."
Welby announced his resignation last month "in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse" following the Makin Review.
The independent review found that John Smyth, described as the Church's most prolific serial abuser, might have been brought to justice had Welby formally reported him to police in 2013.
Smyth is alleged to have subjected up to 130 boys and young men to physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual attacks across three countries over five decades.
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He died in Cape Town in 2018 while under police investigation, never facing justice for the abuse.
Russell said: "We were profoundly shocked by the findings of the Makin report, and our thoughts are with all survivors of abuse."
He called for urgent changes within the Church of England, stating: "We believe that there is an urgent need for the Church of England to reset its approach to safeguarding and continue to create a safer Church and safer spaces for young people."
The charity remains grateful for donations that support their work with vulnerable children, he added.
Earlier this week, Justin Welby sent a festive e-card announcing his donation to The Children's Society, noting the charity's work with children affected by criminal and sexual exploitation and abuse
PAA Lambeth Palace spokesperson responded to the charity's decision, saying: "Lambeth Palace respects the decision made by The Children's Society."
"The Archbishop of Canterbury shares the principles and values of The Children's Society and is committed to supporting the survivors of abuse and victims of child sexual abuse," they added.
The spokesperson noted that Welby "applauds The Children's Society for their tireless work in this field."
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