Rebecca Chapman

Just before graffiti-gate in Canterbury Cathedral kicked off a few weeks ago, it hosted the announcement of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury-designate: the Rt Revd Dame Sarah Mullally. Or ABCD, as it is rumoured she is being called at Lambeth Palace. Lord knows, we love an acronym in the Church of England these days. It helps, at least, make the CofE seem accessible. But has the push to make our new Primate seem like just a regular Joe (or Jo!) gone too far? Lord knows, we love an acronym in the established church these days It was confirmed this morning that our new Archbishop will finally take up her role, in a service also held at Canterbury Cathedral on 25th March next year.

At least Justin Welby's valedictory speech went down well in the House of Lords. Speeches from those in the Upper Chamber yesterday praised Welby's personal qualities and spiritual counsel and his work pushing for social change. There was even a fleeting mention of one of his books. But outside the chamber many of those watching the Archbishop, while he said his farewell words to the House following his resignation last month over the Church of England's handling of one of its worst-ever abuse scandals, were horrified. Welby's address has been called frivolous and tone deaf ‘Whether one is personally responsible or not’ the time had come for a head to roll, he said. ‘There is only, in this case, one head that rolls well enough’.

When Channel 4’s Cathy Newman summed up the Church of England’s John Smyth scandal as showing that ‘the church had neither process nor kindness’, Justin Welby agreed. It was hard for the Archbishop of Canterbury not to. Welby’s downfall was in no small part due to his neglect of the right process, one which puts victims and survivors first. As Welby – who resigned as Archbishop of Canterbury this week – said: ‘You can have kindness without process and nothing happens'. Welby’s relaxed approach, but iron will, elevated him to the position of Archbishop The Makin review into the church’s handling of the abuse allegations against Smyth shows what happens when things aren’t done by the book.