After abuse scandal: Archbishop of Canterbury resigns

London - In May 2023, Justin Welby crowned England's King Charles III, but now he is stepping down as Archbishop of Canterbury.

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, announced his resignation on Tuesday.
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, announced his resignation on Tuesday.  © Alastair Grant/AP

The head of the Anglican Church, the Archbishop of Canterbury, is resigning following huge public pressure over his role in an abuse scandal.

Justin Welby is accused of not making public the decades-long abuse of more than 100 boys and young men by a church lawyer. High-ranking church representatives demanded Welby's resignation.

The 68-year-old admitted to errors of judgment. "It is absolutely clear that I must accept personal and institutional responsibility for the long and once again traumatizing period between 2013 and 2024," Welby's statement read.

One of the tasks of the head of the Anglican Church is the coronation of the British monarch.

"I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England takes the need for change and our deep commitment to a safer church," Welby said. "I resign from my post in deep sadness with all victims and survivors of abuse."