Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has resigned following intense criticism of his handling of allegations of child abuse within the Church of England. His decision comes after the release of the Makin Review, which found that barrister John Smyth—who is believed to be the Church’s most prolific abuser—might have been brought to justice earlier if Welby had acted more decisively when first informed of the case in 2013.

In a statement announcing his resignation, Welby expressed deep regret for the Church’s failure to address the abuse, acknowledging that he had been misled into believing the authorities had been properly notified in 2013. “I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024,” Welby said.

The Archbishop further expressed sorrow for the victims and survivors of abuse, reaffirming his commitment to safeguarding reforms. “I have worked tirelessly to introduce improvements over the past twelve years,” he said, “but it is for others to judge what has been done.”

Welby’s resignation follows a growing demand for accountability in the Church, with many survivors and critics calling for a full reckoning over the Church’s historic failure to protect vulnerable individuals.