In light of recent events in the Church of England, culminating in Archbishop Justin Welby’s resignation, Drew Cordell looks at whether there is any hope
This week, the prominent Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, announced his resignation, brought about by mounting criticism over his handling of abuse allegations tied to the late John Smyth. Smyth, once an influential figure within the Anglican Church, stands accused of abusing young men under his mentorship in the 1970s and 1980s—a dark chapter that has continued to cast shadows over the Church’s legacy and leadership.
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Welby’s resignation has made moderate headlines globally. For many non-Christians, it may come as little surprise; the modern Western Church has, sadly, become almost synonymous with scandal, and the archbishop’s resignation may seem to many like “business as usual”.
Having been part of the Christian Church for nearly my entire life, I feel compelled to admit that, with each passing year, my confidence in the institution known as “the Church” has dwindled. The bureaucratic inertia, unaccountable leadership and pervasive cultural lethargy within many Christian institutions have created a sense of fatigue among believers like myself. The need for a “Reformation 2.0” is pressing, and I believe that every churchgoer shares a personal responsibility to bring about change within their own sphere.
And yet, despite my growing disillusionment with the institution, my Christian faith has only grown stronger. My faith is rooted not in the Church, nor in any earthly figure, but solely in Jesus Christ. His life and teachings give me purpose, meaning and vitality that no institution can provide. As CS Lewis famously said: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”
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It’s my sincere hope that people—both within and outside of the Church—will take an honest, objective look at the person of Jesus in spite of the Church’s many imperfections. When one does, I am confident they will find an individual who embodies all that life is meant to be and discover a freedom that only Jesus can bring. While the institution may falter, the transformative power of faith in Jesus endures, offering a beacon of hope even when the Church’s leadership falls short.
Drew Cordell is a business consultant who has worked alongside some of the world’s most successful businesses and their leaders in an extensive corporate career in both London and Australia. His new book Honest Christianity: Why People Choose to Believe is available on Amazon and all good bookstores.
