John Smyth abuse report triggers ‘existential crisis’ in Church of England

Shock waves triggered by archbishop's resignation are culmination of years of simmering rage among churchgoers and survivors of abuse

As the faithful give thanks to God in England's 16,500 parish churches on Sunday, beneath the comforting ritual of prayers and hymns will run a strong undercurrent of shame, anger, sadness and dread.

The Church of England is facing its biggest crisis in modern times, and there is no clear pathway to recovery. The archbishop of Canterbury has been forced to resign, other senior figures are facing calls to quit and the church is reeling from its shameful failures over a prolific and sadistic child abuser.