Archbishop Justin Welby to Step Down Amid Abuse Scandal

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, announced his resignation effective January 6, following an independent report criticizing the Church of England's handling of a historic abuse case.

The Makin Review revealed that John Smyth, a lawyer associated with the Church, committed widespread abuse at evangelical summer camps from the 1970s to the 1980s, affecting up to 130 individuals in the UK, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

The report found that Church leaders, including Welby, were aware of Smyth’s actions from mid-2013 but failed to report them to the authorities, thus missing opportunities to bring Smyth to justice.

The Archbishop has apologized but decided to resign under pressure.

Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, will assume temporary duties after Welby's departure.

The appointment of a new Archbishop of Canterbury will be made by the king upon the recommendation of the Crown Nominations Committee.