Archbishop of Canterbury steps down amidst sex abuse scandal involving Justin Welby

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has announced his resignation due to his mishandling of a sex abuse scandal. A recent investigation revealed that Welby failed to report allegations of physical and sexual abuse by John Smyth, who abused over 100 boys and young men in the 1970s. Despite being informed of the abuse in 2013, Welby did not ensure that the accusations were properly investigated, leading to his decision to step down. His resignation comes after increasing pressure from within the Church of England, with Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley calling for his resignation to signify a new beginning. Survivors of Smyth’s abuse, such as Andrew Morse, see this as an opportunity for the church to repair its relationship with victims. Welby expressed regret for his handling of the situation, acknowledging the need for change within the Church of England to ensure a safer environment for all. As the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, Welby’s resignation marks a significant moment for the church as it navigates the aftermath of this scandal.

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