Lawyer John Smyth is alleged to have abused and sexually abused more than 100 boys and young men over 40 years.
Canterbury Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby resigned on Tuesday. He justified this by “regret” for not ensuring a proper investigation into allegations of torture and sexual abuse by certain volunteers in the Christian camp. TASR informs, according to a Reuters report.
Critics called for Welby’s resignation after last week’s report that he did not take enough action against the person who allegedly committed what is likely to be the most widespread abuse and sexual abuse in the Church of England. “With the kind permission of His Royal Highness, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury,” Welby said in a statement.
Lawyer John Smyth abused and sexually abused more than 100 boys and young men over 40 years, according to the report. He beat his victims with a cane and put diapers on them to stop the bleeding. Then he lay down on top of his victims and kissed them on the neck or back.
“I hope this decision will show how seriously the Church of England takes the need for change and its commitment to creating a safer church. I resign with the regret I feel for all victims of abuse,” Welby added. The Church of England has a total of 85 million members worldwide.
