The Church of England finds itself at a crossroads as the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, delivers his Christmas Day sermon, emphasizing the urgent need for penitence and action following damning criticisms over its handling of abuse scandals. Cottrell, who will temporarily lead the Church starting next month when Justin Welby officially steps down, has faced scrutiny himself following revelations involving abusive clerics.
This year’s festive season has been particularly shadowed by controversy. The Church, tracing its origins back to the Roman Empire, is grappling with the fallout from multiple abuse cover-up scandals, particularly concerning the notorious John Smyth, whose actions impacted over 130 boys and young men across three countries over several decades. Responding to these challenges, Cottrell stated during his sermon at York Minster, "Right now, this Christmas, God's Church itself needs to come to the manger and strip off her finery and kneel in penitence and adoration. And be changed." This poignant message aims not only to address the current state of the Church but also to push for substantive changes.
The scrutiny surrounding Cottrell intensified as he faces calls for his resignation linked to the case of David Tudor, who was allowed to remain active within the Church even after serious accusations. The situation escalated after it was revealed Tudor had been reappointed to positions under Cottrell’s watch during his tenure as Bishop of Chelmsford. Cottrell has since acknowledged, "Things could have been handled differently," admitting the difficult history he inherited.
Justin Welby, his predecessor, resigned from his post amid claims he failed to adequately act against Smyth after serious allegations surfaced back in 2013. His decision to resign, effective January 6, follows the release of the Makin report which highlighted these severe lapses—lapses many believe were avoidable. This has cast doubt not just on Welby’s leadership but now on Cottrell’s capability to guide the Church through its renewed era of scrutiny.
Cottrell's sermon contrasted with the concerns expressed by many within the Church. Helen-Ann Hartley, the Bishop of Newcastle, criticized Cottrell’s call for the Church’s repentance as "empty words," arguing for the need for action rather than rhetoric. Her sentiments reflect the broader skepticism by some church leaders about the effectiveness of statements made by higher-ups without tangible actions to back them.
Despite the criticisms, Cottrell’s message this Christmas aims to resonate with the faithful who have felt betrayed by the institution. He insisted, "If you're in love, show me. If you have love in your hearts, embody and demonstrate love by what you do," urging congregants to place the needs of the vulnerable and the needy at the forefront of their thoughts during this holiday season.
The Church has been under significant pressure from abuse survivors as well as the general public, who have begun expressing deep skepticism about its ability to provide safety and uphold justice for those within its care. David Greenwood, a lawyer specializing in abuse claims, noted recently, "The revelations had shaken trust in the Church's ability to protect its congregants and uphold its duty of care."
Looking forward, the Church of England is faced with not just internal challenges but also external pressures from a changing society. The process to find Welby’s permanent successor could take until autumn of 2025, raising questions about the institution’s governance and public trust during this vulnerable time.
While Cottrell continues to navigate these complex issues, his Christmas sermon serves as both a reflection on the Church's past failures and an invitation for renewal and change. "Put the needs of others first – those who are cold and hungry and homeless this Christmas, those who are victims of abuse and exploitation," he said, reiteratively lighting the path forward but acknowledging the stark reality of the Church's current standing.
With public sentiments increasingly torn, church leaders like Cottrell must find ways to translate faith-based messages of love and humility directly to actionable change, all the more pressing this Christmas as the Church grapples with its very identity and the expectations of the faithful.
