Getty ImagesThe Bishop of Newcastle has criticized the Archbishop of York’s Christmas sermon, just weeks before he takes over as head of the Church of England.
Stephen Cottrell’s remarks capped a tumultuous end to the year for the church. Report who accused him of covering up the sexual abuse.
It led to the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, after he was criticized for not doing enough to stop an abuser.
Mr Welby took a close look at Mr Cottrell’s remarks, opting to break with years of tradition and miss this year’s Christmas services at Canterbury Cathedral.
Helen-Anne Hartley, who has been an outspoken critic of Mr Cottrell as Bishop of Newcastle, described his sermon as “empty words. I don’t have any more words to describe his meaning. ”
He first He said that he should resign from the post of archbishop..
At York Minster on Christmas morning, the archbishop appeared to directly address criticism of the Church.
He spoke of the need to “walk the talk” and not just talk about justice and love. Mr Cottrell also spoke of the shortcomings of “those who talk a good game, but whose words never translate”.
“This Christmas, God’s Church itself needs to come back to the manger and take off its beauty and kneel in repentance and worship. And be changed,” he said.
Getty ImagesOther bishops have addressed the church’s crisis in their Christmas messages.
Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, who has faced calls to resign spoke of a “crisis of confidence in many of our institutions, including our own church”.
Christmas is a time to pause and take stock, he said.
Mr Cottrell, who is due to take on many of the church’s leadership duties on January 6 when Mr Welby steps down, has faced calls for his resignation.
He has been under scrutiny for his handling of a priest in charge, David Tudor, who was banned by the church from being alone with children but who remained in his post for years.
In November, The Archbishop of Canterbury resigned. After a report criticized his handling of John Smith, who abused more than 120 boys and young men.
The church said Mr Welby would spend “private time with his family” this Christmas.
The Archbishop of York declined to respond to the Bishop of Newcastle’s comments when contacted by the BBC.