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.

LONDON (Reuters) - The Church of England faced pressure on Wednesday to ensure people are held to account for systematically covering up allegations of abuse, one day after the Archbishop of Canterbury resigned over a church abuse scandal.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has announced he will step down from his role following a damning report into a prolific child abuser associated with the Church of England. The review found that Justin Welby, 68, "could and should" have reported John Smyth's abuse of boys and young men to police in 2013.