On Thursday, the Makin review was published by the Church of England, which found “horrific” and violent abuse of more than 100 children and young men was covered up for decades.

It found Mr Welby did not follow up rigorously enough on reports of Mr Smyth’s abuse, adding he “could and should” have reported the case to authorities when details were presented to him in 2013.

Mr Smyth, who died in his 70s in Cape Town in 2018, was accused of attacking boys at his Winchester home who he had met at a Christian summer camp in Dorset during the 1970s and 1980s.

Dr Paul said the “unprecedented” nature of the archbishop’s resignation was also an “extremely painful” moment for victims of abuse.

“I think it’s very sad for an archbishop to resign,” he said.

“On Sunday morning I was talking about the wonderful good news we have in Jesus, and how he transforms lives [at] his invitation, and then on Monday, here we are talking about the failures of the senior leadership.

“I think the other thing that I feel really sad about is the way this has trawled up again for survivors.”