Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has resigned following the release of a report exposing a cover-up of child abuse by John Smyth in the Church of England. Smyth was not brought to justice before his death in 2018, leading to increasing pressure on Welby. The resignation comes after private discussions with King Charles, who is the supreme governor of the Church of England.
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has resigned after a report revealed a history of child abuse by John Smyth, an associate of the Church of England. Despite being notified by police in 2013, Welby says he believed a resolution would follow, but Smyth was never brought to justice before his death in 2018. In response to Welby's resignation, one of Smyth's victims spoke to the BBC about the horrific abuse he suffered. For more on this story, read the BBC's coverage and Justin Welby's full statement.
In a shocking turn of events, Archbishop Justin Welby has announced his resignation following a recently released report exposing a cover-up of child abuse within the Church of England. The report reveals that Welby was aware of the allegations in 2013 but believed justice would be served. However, the abuser, John Smyth, was not brought to justice before his death in 2018. This resignation comes after one of Smyth's victims spoke out about the beatings he endured. Learn more about the scandal and the process for selecting the new leader of the Church of England in this comprehensive report by BBC's Matt Spivey.