Stephen Cottrell, the Church of England’s second most senior cleric, will call for repentance and institutional change in a Christmas sermon on Wednesday, as the church grapples with scandals over child abuse cover-ups.
Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, is expected to address the congregation at York Minster, urging the church to acknowledge its failings. Excerpts of his sermon shared by his office reveal a stark message: “Right now, this Christmas, God’s Church itself needs to come to the manger, strip off her finery, kneel in penitence and adoration, and be changed.”
Church Leadership Under Fire
The sermon comes amid ongoing controversy following the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in November. Welby stepped down after a report found he failed to act decisively to prevent abuses by John Smyth, a prolific sex offender.
Cottrell, who will lead the church until Welby’s successor is named, has faced his own criticism. A BBC investigation revealed that while serving as Bishop of Chelmsford, Cottrell allowed priest David Tudor to continue in his role despite restrictions barring Tudor from being alone with children. Tudor had also paid compensation to a sexual abuse victim.
Cottrell has apologized, describing the situation he inherited as “horrible and intolerable” and stating that he suspended Tudor at the first opportunity.
A Call for Renewal
In his Christmas message, Cottrell draws parallels between the vulnerability of the Christ child and the church’s current challenges. “At the center of the Christmas story is a vulnerable child… The Church of England – the Church of England I love and serve – needs to look at this vulnerable child, at this emptying out of power to demonstrate the power of love, for in this vulnerable child we see God,” he will say.
Welby, who will complete his official duties by January 6, will not deliver the main Christmas sermon at Canterbury Cathedral. The selection process for his successor is expected to take up to six months.
Public Trust Erodes
The scandals have deepened public skepticism toward the Church of England, which oversees 16,000 parishes in England and serves as the mother church for 85 million Anglicans worldwide.
David Greenwood, a lawyer specializing in abuse claims, criticized the institution’s handling of such cases. “These revelations have shaken trust in the Church’s ability to protect its congregants and uphold its duty of care,” Greenwood said in a statement.
As the British public grows increasingly secular, the Church faces mounting pressure to address past failures and rebuild trust within its congregations.
REUTERS
