Abuse survivors call for further resignations at Church of England after Archbishop of Canterbury steps down

A day after the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby stepped down over his failure to ensure a proper investigation into a Church abuse scandal, survivors have now called for further resignations as it has put pressure on other members of the Church to explain what they knew about abuse.

Welby, the most senior bishop within the Church of England and other church officers, announced his resignation after a review found he "could and should" have reported John Smyth's abuse of boys and young men to police in 2013.

Welby should have formally reported Smyth in 2013 to police in the United Kingdomand South African authorities, according to an independent review published last week.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Smyth was accused of attacking several boys, including those he met at Christian camps, in the UK in the 1970s and 1980s.

One bishop responsible for safeguarding said she was open to more resignations.

However, the Church's second most senior figure, Stephen Cottrell, said they should not be bishops.

Meanwhile, the Church's deputy lead bishop for safeguarding Julie Conalty, said she could guarantee there was no abuse still going on in the Church. She added that no institution "can ever be totally safe".

Watch |Archbishop Of Canterbury Resigns After Church Of England Child Abuse Review

After facing immense pressure, Welby in a statement said, “It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024.”

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

“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,” Welby added.

(With inputs from agencies)