The Christmas Day sermon delivered by Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell has sparked controversy amid growing criticism from fellow church leaders, particularly from Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley, who described it as 'empty words'. This exchange highlights the turmoil faced by the Church of England, following serious allegations of misconduct by its leaders and shortcomings in addressing abuse scandals.
During the sermon at York Minster on December 25, 2024, Cottrell expressed the need for the Church to reflect on its actions and emphasized the importance of genuine repentance. He called upon the congregation to 'kneel in penitence' before the Christmas altar, reminding them of the vulnerable child at the center of the holiday's story. Cottrell stated, 'Right now, this Christmas, God’s Church itself needs to come again to the manger and strip off her finery and kneel in penitence and adoration. And be changed.'
Hartley's criticism follows the increasingly complicated backdrop of leadership challenges within the church. After the resignation of former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who faced backlash for his handling of abuse cases, Cottrell finds himself at the forefront of church leadership at a time when trust is desperately needed. Hartley took to social media to express her discontent, saying, 'Empty words. I have no words more than to describe their meaning.' This sharp rebuke highlights the tensions within the church as it navigates through its scandal-plagued public image.
Cottrell, who is set to assume full leadership of the Church of England on January 6, has faced scrutiny for his previous handling of sexual abuse cases, particularly of priest David Tudor, who was reappointed under his watch. Survivors of Tudor have criticized Cottrell's responses as 'insulting and upsetting', questioning how he could earnestly call for the church to change.
Notably, Cottrell's sermon called for not just words of justice and love but demanded the church embody these concepts through action, urging fellow Anglicans, 'Don’t just talk about justice, don’t just talk about service, don’t just talk about love. Show me.' His intent was to provoke thought and encourage direct action toward improving the plight of the vulnerable.
The broader reactions from within the church hierarchy have been mixed, with several bishops echoing the sentiments of crisis and the need for reflection. The Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, acknowledged the situation, indicating there is 'a crisis of confidence' not only within the Church but across various institutions. He alluded to the importance of taking stock at Christmas to rebuild trust and purpose.
During the service, the congregation’s response to Cottrell has shown signs of support. Many expressed agreement with his calls for genuine action to aid the dislocated and oppressed, reiteratively centering the church’s mission of love and service.
Reflecting on the Christmas narrative, Cottrell framed the discussion around the vulnerability of Jesus, noting how 'the Church of England, the Church of England I love and serve, needs simply to look at this vulnerable child.' He poignantly contrasted the message of love with historical failures within the church, challenging members to embody their faith through their actions.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin delivered the sermon at Canterbury Cathedral, denoting the triumph of light and hope over despair, aligning with the season's message of redemption. This parallel commentary on the church's mission encapsulates the essence of Christmas – to show love and to serve.
With Cottrell expected to assume leadership soon, the path forward may necessitate addressing the specter of the past and demanding comprehensive reform within the Church. Observers, including former church leaders, stress the need for transparency in handling allegations and ensuring victims are prioritized, echoing sentiments of true accountability.
Indeed, as Cottrell prepares to navigate his new role, he faces the dual challenge of restoring faith within the congregation and addressing the skeptics. Without clear changes and action, the echoes of Hartley’s criticism may linger as reminders of the church's monumental task lying ahead.
While Cottrell appears optimistic and ready to lead, the scrutiny over his past decisions and words may shadow his efforts to embody the change he preaches. This Christmas, the desire for change within the Church of England continues to resonate, demanding not only heartfelt declarations but also heartfelt actions from its leaders.
