Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby crowned King Charles and married Prince Harry And Meghan MarkleHe resigned amid criticism over how he handled the investigation into the “most prolific serial abuser” linked to the Church of England.

68-year-old Welby announced his resignation expression on November 12 following the publication of an independent review conducted by former social services director Keith Makin. The report, commissioned by the Church of England, considered the Church’s response to allegations of abuse against the late John Smyth, who volunteered at Christian summer camps.

In his statement, Welby said he was resigning “with regret” after seeking the “gracious permission of His Majesty the King.” Calls for his resignation have intensified since the report was published last Thursday, which found Welby failed to provide a thorough investigation into accusations of abuse involving more than 100 boys and young men at Christian camps decades ago.

Smyth was a British lawyer who “predated children he met at Christian summer camps in the 1970s and 1980s” and was “believed to be the most prolific serial abuser associated with the Church of England.” BBC reported.

Welby cited King in resignation expression and touched upon the findings in Makin’s report.

“Having received the gracious permission of His Majesty the King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury. The Makin Review has exposed the long-held conspiracy of silence regarding the disgusting abuses of John Smyth,” Welby said. he said.

“When I was briefed in 2013 and told the police had been notified, I wrongly believed that an appropriate resolution would be found. It is clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and re-traumatizing period between 2013 and 2024.” continued.

“It is my duty to fulfill my constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be determined once a review of the necessary obligations, including those in England and the Anglican Communion, has been completed,” he said. “I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England takes the need for change and our deep commitment to creating a safer church. As I leave office, I do so with a heavy heart and with all victims and survivors of abuse.”

“The last few days have renewed my long-held and profound sense of shame at the historic preservation failures of the Church of England. I have sought to make improvements for nearly twelve years. It is for others to judge what has been done,” he said. in question. “In the meantime, I will honor my commitment to meet with victims. I will hand over all other current safeguarding responsibilities until the necessary risk assessment process is completed.”

Welby asked for prayers for his family at this time and emphasized that he believed it was in the Church’s interest to step aside at this time.

Welby is the most senior bishop in the Church of England, of which King Charles is the ceremonial head. In May 2023, Welby was the one to place the St. Edward’s Crown on King Charles’ head at his coronation. He also spoke Queen ElizabethHe was given a state funeral in September 2022 and memorably married the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in May 2018.

Welby was ordained in 1992 and made the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury in 2012. His high-profile assignment brought him close to the royal family, and he played a key role in many of their religious ceremonies.

Welby served baptisms related to Prince William And Kate Middleton‘s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte And Prince LouisAnd baptized Meghan entered the Church of England before marrying Prince Harry. He also led funeral She met with Prince Philip in April 2021 and Queen Elizabeth in June 2022, later stating that the monarch felt “not afraid” of death.

He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order for his pivotal role in the coronation of King Charles in May 2024. Queen Camillaand appeared at the State Opening of Parliament in the summer.

Archbishop I spoke before She spoke about battling depression and thanked Prince William for his work highlighting mental health in her editorial. Sunday Times In 2020.

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