
Uganda’s Anglican leader, Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba, criticized former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby on Wednesday, accusing him of causing a rift in the global Anglican communion. Welby resigned on Tuesday, citing his failure to properly investigate abuse allegations linked to Christian summer camps from decades past.
The Church of Uganda, at odds with the Church of England over its stance on homosexuality, withdrew recognition of Welby’s authority last year, citing his “inability to uphold historic and Biblical teachings on marriage and family.”
“This compromised leadership has torn the fabric of the Anglican Communion at its deepest level,” Kaziimba stated.
Welby, who had worked to prevent division within the communion, faced calls for his resignation after a report revealed inadequate action against John Smyth, a serial abuser.
Kaziimba expressed sorrow over the harm caused by the abuse cover-up and failure to protect the vulnerable. He also supported Uganda’s stringent anti-homosexuality law, which drew condemnation from Welby.
Uganda’s law, with severe penalties for same-sex acts, has faced criticism from the West, leading to U.S. sanctions, but enjoys wide domestic support. About 36% of Uganda’s 46 million population are Anglicans, while Catholics make up the largest religious group.