Church of England feud as Archbishop of York accused of peddling ’empty words’ | Great Britain | News

The Bishop of Newcastle has launched a scathing attack on the Archbishop of York after his Christmas sermon, claiming they were just “empty words”.

Speaking yesterday, Stephen Cottrell said the church should “kneel in repentance” as it continues to face criticism over failures to deal with various abuse scandals.

However, the Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, delivered a scathing assessment of kneel in repentance and worship and be changed.

“Empty words. I don’t have more words to describe its meaning.”

Mr Cottrell will effectively become interim leader of the church in England next month, succeeding outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby – but he is also facing calls to resign.

Earlier this week, Mr Cottrell admitted things “could have been handled differently” after it emerged that a priest at the center of a sexual abuse case was reappointed under him twice during his tenure as Bishop of Chelmsford.

However, a spokeswoman for Mr Cottrell said no one had told him at the time that David Tudor should not continue as area dean, and she added that even if he had not continued in the role it would not have meant he would have been removed Pastor.

Victims of the priest have described Mr Cottrell’s reaction to the case as “offensive and disturbing” and suggested his resignation or ouster from his leading role in the church was “inevitable”.

Ms Hartley questioned how Mr Cottrell could have any credibility and the Bishop of Gloucester, Rachel Treweek, declined to publicly support him.

With Mr Welby out of public view this Christmas and not delivering the sermon on December 25, the focus shifted to the words of Mr Cottrell from York Minster.

He said the church must “kneel in repentance and worship” and “be changed” this Christmas, adding that the needs of others, including victims of abuse and exploitation, must come first.

He said: “Right now, this Christmas, God’s Church itself must come again to the manger, take off its ornaments and kneel in repentance and worship. And be changed.”

“The focus of the Christmas story is a small, vulnerable child; a child whom Herod’s furious anger seeks to destroy, for like any tyrant, Herod cannot tolerate a rival.

“And I believe that the Church of England, the Church of England that I love and that I serve, just needs to look to that vulnerable child, to that powerlessness, to demonstrate the power of love, because it is in that little one , vulnerable child.” that we are invited to see God.

“If you’re in love, show me. If you have love in your heart, embody and show that love through what you do.”

“We learn this at 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, have to flee oppression and seek refuge in a foreign land.”

Referring to the musical “My Fair Lady,” he pointed to the example of Eliza Doolittle, who he said was “completely upset by someone’s empty promises.”

Pointing out a message for the world, Mr Cottrell highlighted 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 smiled as he emerged from the cathedral’s huge west door after the service.

In his full regalia, he walked over to greet the handful of well-wishers and tourists gathered outside and wished them all a “Merry Christmas.”

Many of those who stopped to chat with the archbishop patted him on the shoulder while shaking his hand.

Members of the congregation appeared to support Mr Cottrell as they discussed the service outside, watched by a line of armed police.

One woman from York said: “I think it’s very easy for us to take a stand and judge with the values ​​we have today.”

“I think people are doing the best they can with what they have right now.”

“The church is about forgiveness and love. Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do – love and forgive one another and not judge?”

She added: “I think there are some fantastically intelligent and good people trying to do the right thing and, as always, there are a few bad apples.”

James Beaumont, who was visiting the city center with his family, said: “I just think people think this is not the day for all the politics and backstabbing.”

“I don’t know much about it, but he (the archbishop) seems like a pretty fair guy to me.”

Mr Welby announced last month that he would resign after initially refusing to do so after the Makin Review concluded that barrister John Smyth, the most prolific serial offender linked to the church, Mr Welby had formally reported him to the police in 2013.

The process to replace Mr Welby is expected to take months. An announcement of a new Archbishop of Canterbury may be possible in autumn 2025.