The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, 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 Welby, “could and should” have reported John Smyth’s abuse of boys and young men to police in 2013.

In a statement, Welby said he must take personal and institutional responsibility for his response after he was first told about the abuse, and believes that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England.

It was not immediately clear when the archbishop would leave his post but the process of finding a replacement is likely to take at least six months.

The Anglican churches in African countries such as Uganda and Nigeria are likely to welcome Welby’sresignation, after saying last year they no longer had confidence in him.