The Children’s Society refused a donation from the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury after concluding accepting it would not be consistent with its values.
Justin Welby announced his resignation in November after a review into the Church of England’s handling of the serial child abuser John Smyth.
The Makin Review found Smyth, who died in 2018, might have been brought to justice had Welby formally reported him to police in 2013 when allegations about abuse were brought to him.
Welby, who will formally step down from his post this month, had said in an electronic Christmas card that he and his wife, Caroline, were making a donation to the charity.
But Mark Russell, chief executive of the Children’s Society, said accepting the donation would not be consistent with the principles and values that underpinned the charity’s work.
“We were profoundly shocked by the findings of the Makin Review, and our thoughts are with all survivors of abuse,” Russell said.
“We believe that there is an urgent need for the Church of England to reset its approach to safeguarding and continue to create a safer church and safer spaces for young people, protected by real accountability and a culture of care.
“The Children’s Society’s life-changing work supports children facing abuse, exploitation or struggling with their mental health.
“We remain deeply grateful for the generosity of those who share our vision and the support of those donations is crucial to changing children’s lives for the better.”
The Makin Review found Welby could have taken action against Smyth in 2013, when allegations about abuse were brought before him.
It also found that Smyth physically and mentally abused children at his home and in his garden shed in the 1970s and 1980s.
When the allegations first surfaced, Smyth moved to Zimbabwe, where he continued to abuse boys and young men.
Lambeth Palace said it respected the charity’s decision. “The Archbishop of Canterbury shares the principles and values of The Children’s Society and is committed to supporting the survivors of abuse and victims of child sexual abuse,” a Lambeth Palace spokesperson said.
“He applauds The Children’s Society for its tireless work in this field.”