In a recent development, former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has been granted permission to remain at Lambeth Palace for up to six months following his resignation. The decision allows Welby and his family to stay in the private quarters of the historic London residence until early summer as they arrange their relocation to a new home.

Justin Welby resigned from his position on January 6, 2025, after being named in a scathing report on Church safeguarding failures. The report, released in November, concluded that Welby held personal and moral responsibility for not acting on allegations against John Smyth, a Christian camp leader and barrister, who was identified as the most prolific serial abuser associated with the Church. Smyth, who passed away in 2018, was never prosecuted for his actions.

Initially, Justin Welby intended to remain in his post, but after facing significant pressure, including a petition and calls from a bishop to step down, he announced his resignation. In his resignation statement, Welby expressed a “long-felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England,” taking both personal and institutional responsibility.

Despite his resignation, the Church of England’s General Synod disclosed that Justin Welby and his family would be allowed to stay at Lambeth Palace for up to six months. Alan Smith, the First Church Estates commissioner, confirmed that Welby’s departure was not subject to a settlement agreement or confidentiality clause. “With the commissioners’ agreement, the Welby family is staying in the archbishop’s private quarters at Lambeth Palace for up to six months ahead of their relocation to their new home,” Smith stated.

The process to find Welby’s successor is expected to take several months, with an announcement anticipated in the autumn. In the interim, the leadership of the Church of England has shifted to the Archbishop of York, the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell. 

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