The Council of Lutheran Churches (CLC) notes with sadness and concern the historic, heinous decades-long abuse that led to the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby on Tuesday, as he took personal and institutional responsibility for failures in handling the case. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of abuse. It is unimaginable that such evil could happen in a church-related setting, where we are called to care for each other and to protect the marginalised and vulnerable in particular.

The CLC is committed to safeguarding and building a safe space for all. This work is one where churches can collaborate, and the issue was prioritised at Churches Together in England’s Enabling Group in March 2024. We appreciate the comprehensive safeguarding trainings organised by the Church of England, which have been made available to CLC member churches. However, much more could be done to ensure that theory is put into practice in all churches, fostering openness and transparency.

The CLC, with its nine member churches, is a close partner of the Church of England, and we hold in our prayers all those affected by the resignation, including Archbishop Welby’s family. We ask for wisdom in selecting the new Primate of All England and spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. We also acknowledge Archbishop Welby’s ecumenical openness, including his prioritisation of the Porvoo Agreement, his courage in speaking up for migrant communities—especially in opposing the Rwanda scheme—and his efforts to make the Church of England a more inclusive church.