Archbishop of Canterbury Resigns Following Abuse Scandal, Donates to Children's Charity

Justin Welby steps down over failure to act on abuse allegations and makes a final Christmas donation to The Children’s Society.

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, will officially resign on January 6, citing sorrow for victims and survivors of abuse.
Welby faced criticism after an independent review found he failed to report serial abuser John Smyth to police in 2013, potentially preventing justice.
John Smyth, who abused over 100 boys across decades, died in 2018 while under investigation and was never prosecuted.
Welby and his wife Caroline made a donation to The Children’s Society, which supports children affected by abuse, exploitation, and neglect, as part of their final Christmas card in his role.
Welby will not participate in public Christmas services, including the traditional December 25 sermon at Canterbury Cathedral, before his departure.