The Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned after pressure following claims knew about the paedophile John Smyth who abused over a hundred boys over forty years.
A petition to get him to resign hit more than 10,000 signatures earlier today
Welby has apologised after a review published last week concluded that prolific abuser, John Smyth, might have been brought to justice had the archbishop formally alerted authorities sooner
In a statement Justin Welby said
Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth.
When I was informed in 2013 and told that police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow.
It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024.
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.
