1970s: In 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978 Justin Welby attends summer Christian Iwerne camps. John Smyth abused children in the 1970s and 1980s while he was a leader at the Iwerne Trust camps, during the same years Mr Welby attended. – 1978: Mr Welby lodges ...

The Most Rev Justin Welby “knew nothing” about the Church of England’s most prolific abuser and has been used as a scapegoat in the scandal, according to John Smyth’s son-in-law.

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

Justin Welby announced he would be resigning as the Archbishop of Canterbury over John Smyth’s vile abuse of young boys at Christian camps in the 1970s and 1980s

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.

Church of England head Justin Welby has resigned after an investigation found that he failed to inform police about serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps as soon as he became aware of it.

A report found Justin Welby took insufficient action into allegations against John Smyth, believed to be “the most prolific serial abuser” associated with the Church of England.

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 head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, resigned Tuesday amid the fallout from a long-running sexual abuse scandal.