The Church of England is beginning its search for a new leader after the Archbishop of Canterbury resigned. Here's why

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has opted to quit as head of the Church of England after a critical report over his handling of an abuse scandal, it was announced.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, resigned Tuesday after an investigation found he failed to tell police about serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at

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.

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual head of the Anglican Communion, has stepped down following an investigation that concluded he failed to report serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps to authorities promptly upon learning of it.

Archbishop Justin Welby resigned under pressure over allegations that he had failed to act against a serial child abuser.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, resigned after a review found he and other Anglican Church leaders covered up "prolific and abhorrent" abuse of boys and young men.