Archbishop of Canterbury, Who Crowned King Charles, Resigns Over Handling of Child Sex Abuse Scandal

Mar. 15, 2025

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby waits to receive guests at Westminster Abbey ahead of the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023 in London, England

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Smyth was a British attorney who “attacked boys who he met at Christian summer camps in the 1970s and 1980s” and is “believed to be the most prolific serial abuser associated with the Church of England,” theBBCreported.

King Charles III shakes hands with Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, during a presentation of loyal addresses by the privileged bodies, at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace

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“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 retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024,” he continued.

“It is my duty to honor 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,” he said. “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.”

King Charles III is crowned with St Edward’s Crown by The Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Reverend Justin Welby during his coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023 in London

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“The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England. For nearly twelve years I have struggled to introduce improvements. It is for others to judge what has been done,” he said. “In the meantime, I will follow through on my commitment to meet victims. I will delegate all my other current responsibilities for safeguarding until the necessary risk assessment process is complete.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their wedding service, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle

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Queen Elizabeth II receives the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, at Buckingham Palace, after his act of ‘Homage’ upon his appointment, on February 26, 2013 in London,

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He became a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in May 2024 for his pivotal role at the coronation of King Charles andQueen Camilla, and appeared at the State Opening of Parliament over the summer.

The Archbishoppreviously spokeabout struggling with depression, and thanked Prince William for his work in highlighting mental health in an editorial forThe Sunday Timesin 2020.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

source: people.com