‘Church in crisis’: what the papers say about the archbishop of Canterbury’s resignation

Justin Welby’s resignation dominates the headlines as calls grow for others to resign and the archbishop not to be a ‘sacrificial lamb’

UK papers on Wednesday focused on the archbishop of Canterbury’s decision to resign amid mounting pressure from victims and members of the clergy over his handling of one of the church’s worst abuse scandals. The fallout continues as other church figures also face calls to step down.

The Guardian leads with Justin Welby’s “sorrow” at the abuse scandal, quoting him as saying his resignation was “in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honoured to serve”.