The Archbishop of Canterbury and senior figure of the Church of England, Justin Welby, has resigned and expressed deep regret over what he described as his failure to ensure a thorough investigation into historic abuse allegations
The allegations, which concern a volunteer at Christian summer camps from decades past, have sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny of the Church’s handling of abuse cases.
Welby, who also serves as the spiritual leader for 85 million Anglicans worldwide, submitted his resignation on Tuesday, amidst mounting pressure following a damning report.
The report, published last week, criticised his inadequate response to one of the Church’s most severe abuse scandals, labelling the accused as potentially the Church’s most prolific serial abuser.”
In a statement accompanying his resignation, Welby acknowledged his “personal and institutional responsibility” for the Church’s safeguarding failures.
The statement reads, “The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England.
“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.”
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, the Church’s second-ranking official, publicly supported Welby’s decision, describing it as “the right and honourable thing to do.”
Welby’s departure comes after a decade marked by internal divisions over issues like LGBTQ+ rights and the role of women clergy, pitting liberal congregations in North America and Britain against conservative factions, especially in Africa.
African Anglican leaders had previously criticised Welby’s leadership, declaring last year that they no longer had confidence in him.
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