Justin Welby has resigned as Archbishop of Canterbury after criticism of his handling of a report into a prolific child abuser.
A report found that Welby failed to act after learning about the abuse of over 100 boys by John Smyth QC in 2013.
Having faced calls to quit, Welby announced his decision this afternoon, saying that he “must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024”.
He said: “It is my duty to honour my constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion.
“I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church.
“As I step down I do so in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse. The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England.”
Starmer
Earlier today Sir Keir Starmer said the victims of John Smyth had been “failed very badly” but wouldn’t say whether the Archbishop of Canterbury should quit.
Smyth, who died in 2018, is thought to have been the most prolific abuser associated with the Church of England.
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