Archbishop of Canterbury Resigns Over U.K. Church Abuse Scandal

Justin Welby, the leader of 85 million Anglicans worldwide, announced his resignation days after a report found he had taken insufficient action over claims of abuse.

The archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Justin Welby, on Tuesday announced his resignation, days after a report concluded that he had failed to ensure a proper investigation into claims that more than 100 boys and young men were abused decades ago at Christian summer camps.

Pressure had mounted on Mr. Welby, the spiritual leader of 85 million Anglicans worldwide, after the report was published and after one senior figure in the church, the bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, called on him publicly to step aside.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr. Welby said, “It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024.”

He said that he had sought permission to resign from King Charles III, and added: “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.”

Under the church’s rules, the job of managing the choice of Mr. Welby’s successor falls to a committee known as the Crown Nominations Commission. It submits the name of a preferred and an alternative candidate to the prime minister, who then advises the monarch on the appointment.

In his statement, the archbishop said he would delegate his safeguarding responsibilities but the Church said the timing of his departure would be made known in due course.