Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley and Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell (Image: GETTY)
The Bishop of Newcastle has launched a scathing attack on the Archbishop of York after his Christmas sermon, suggesting it was nothing more than “empty words”.
Speaking yesterday, Stephen Cottrell said the Church must “kneel in repentance” as it continues to face criticism over its failures to tackle various abuse scandals.
However, Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley gives a scathing assessment of repent and worship and be changed.”
‘Empty words. I don’t have more than that to describe its meaning.’
Mr Cottrell will effectively become interim leader of the Church in England next month, replacing the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, but he is also facing calls to resign.
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Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigned last month (Image: Getty)
Earlier this week, Cottrell admitted that matters “could have been handled differently”, following revelations that a priest at the center of a sex abuse case was twice reappointed under him while he was Bishop of Chelmsford.
However, a spokeswoman for Mr Cottrell said no one had advised him at the time that David Tudor should not continue as area dean, adding that even if he had not continued in that role it would not have meant he was removed as regional dean. pastor.
Victims of the priest have described Mr Cottrell’s response to the case as “offensive and disturbing” and suggested his resignation, or being forced out of his leadership role in the church, was “inevitable”.
Ms Hartley questioned how Mr Cottrell could have any credibility, and Bishop of Gloucester Rachel Treweek refused to publicly support him.
With Mr Welby out of public view this Christmas and not delivering the December 25 sermon, attention shifted to Mr Cottrell’s words from York Minster.
He said the Church must “kneel in repentance and worship” and “be transformed” this Christmas, adding that the needs of others, including victims of abuse and exploitation, must come first.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigns
He said, “At this time, this Christmas, God’s Church itself must come again to the manger, take off its finery, and kneel in repentance and worship. And be changed.
‘At the center of the Christmas story is a small, vulnerable child; a child who will seek to destroy Herod’s wrath, for like any tyrant Herod cannot endure a rival.
‘And I believe that the Church of England, the Church of England that I love and serve, must simply look at this vulnerable child, at this emptying of power to demonstrate the power of love, because it is in this small, vulnerable child that we are invited to see God.
“If you are in love, show me. If you have love in your heart, embody and demonstrate that love through what you do.
“This is what we learn in the manger in Bethlehem. To put the needs of others first, those who are cold and hungry this Christmas.
“Those who are victims of abuse and exploitation. Those who, like the little holy family, must flee oppression and seek refuge in a foreign land.”
“This is the story of the gospel; the story of those who encounter and are changed by the embodiment of love in the person of Jesus Christ.” Starting today you can read my Christmas sermon @York_Minster here https://t.co/GUXwh4oetc
— Archbishop of York (@CottrellStephen) December 25, 2024
Referring to the musical My Fair Lady, he pointed to the example of Eliza Doolittle, who he said is “completely irritated by someone’s empty promises.”
Pointing to a message for the world, Mr Cottrell emphasized the importance of actions over words, adding: “Don’t just talk about justice, don’t just talk about service, don’t just talk about love. Show me.”
Mr Cottrell appeared relaxed and smiling as he emerged from the Minster’s enormous West Door after the service.
Dressed in his full regalia, he walked over to greet the handful of well-wishers and tourists gathered outside and wished them all “Happy Christmas.”
Many of those who stopped to talk to the archbishop patted him on the back as they shook hands.
Members of the congregation appeared to support Mr Cottrell as they discussed the service outside, watched by a number of armed police officers.
A woman from York said: ‘I think it’s very easy for us to stand firm and judge based on the values we have today.
“I think people do the best they can with what they have at the time.
“The Church is about forgiveness and love. Isn’t that what we should be doing: loving and forgiving one another and not judging?”
She added: “I think you have some fantastically intelligent and good people trying to do the right thing and, as always, you get a few bad apples.”
James Beaumont, who was visiting the city center with his family, said: ‘I just think people think this isn’t the day for all the politics and backstabbing.
“I don’t know much about it, but he (the archbishop) seems like an honest guy.”
Mr Welby announced last month that he would resign after initially refusing to do so, in the wake of the Makin Review, which concluded that barrister John Smyth, the most prolific serial abuser associated with the Church, had been put on trial can be delivered. Mr Welby had formally reported him to the police in 2013.
The process to replace Mr Welby is expected to take months, with an announcement on a new Archbishop of Canterbury possible in late 2025.