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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Aine Fox

Justin Welby says he forgives abuser Smyth and tells of ‘personal failure’

Former archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has spoken to the BBC about his resignation (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA) - (PA Media)

Former archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said he forgives serial abuser John Smyth as he repeated an apology to victims and told of the “deep sense of personal failure” he feels about the handling of allegations.

The former most senior bishop in the Church of England, who resigned in November and stepped down officially in January, said he had “not really thought it through enough, to be honest” when he initially declined to quit last year.

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