Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said that his decision to step down was in the best interests of the Church.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has resigned over accusations that he failed to report physical and sexual abuse to the police.

Justin Welby’s predecessors have at times met gruesome fates — being stabbed or burned at the stake — but over 16 centuries the position itself has not only survived but retained its significance and power.

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual head of the Anglican Communion, has stepped down following an investigation that concluded he failed to report serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps to authorities promptly upon learning of it.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the head of the Church of England, has resigned amid the fallout from a long-running abuse scandal.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the most senior leader in the Church of England, has resigned over his handling of a child abuse case, according to his official account.

The Most Rev. 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.

Justin Welby said he was stepping down “in sorrow.” He faced mounting calls to resign after an investigation found he failed to promptly report serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps.

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s son said his father was “right to resign” following a damning review into the most prolific abuser associated with the Church of England. The independent Makin Review concluded that barrister John Smyth might have been brought to justice had the Archbishop formally alerted authorities in 2013.

The Archbishop of Canterbury's son has spoken publicly for the first time since his father's resignation over the handling of sexual abuse allegations against a Church member.