London: The Church of England’s second most senior cleric, Stephen Cottrell, is set to deliver a powerful Christmas sermon on Wednesday at York Minster, calling for repentance and transformation within an institution grappling with child abuse cover-up scandals.
This year’s celebrations have been marred by the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, following accusations of safeguarding failures. Cottrell himself has faced scrutiny for alleged missteps in handling abuse cases during his tenure as Bishop of Chelmsford.
In his sermon, Cottrell will state: “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.”
A Church Under Scrutiny
The Church of England, which oversees 16,000 churches in England and serves as the mother church for 85 million Anglicans worldwide, is under intense public and legal scrutiny. Allegations against Welby and Cottrell have amplified calls for institutional accountability.
Welby, who resigned in November after a report found he failed to take action against prolific abuser John Smyth, will not deliver the main Christmas sermon at Canterbury Cathedral this year.
Cottrell will reflect on the symbolism of the Christmas story, saying, “At the centre of the Christmas story is a vulnerable child; a vulnerable child that (King) Herod’s furious wrath will try and destroy, for like every tyrant, he cannot abide a rival.”
He will emphasize the Church’s need for humility and transformation: “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.”
Calls for Change and Accountability
Welby is expected to complete his official duties by January 6, with the selection process for his successor anticipated to take up to six months. Meanwhile, Cottrell will act as the de facto leader of the Church.
However, Cottrell himself has faced calls to step down after a BBC investigation revealed he allowed priest David Tudor to remain in his role despite prior restrictions due to safeguarding concerns. Tudor had been barred from being alone with children and had paid compensation to a sexual abuse victim.
Also Read | Japan-China Talks in Beijing: Seafood Trade and Fukushima Wastewater in Focus
Cottrell has apologized, stating that the situation he inherited was “horrible and intolerable” and that he acted as soon as he could by suspending Tudor.
Public Trust Eroded
The British public, increasingly secular and critical of institutional religion, has reacted strongly to these revelations.
Also Read | Syria Issues Strong Warning to Iran Over Sovereignty and Stability
David Greenwood, a lawyer specializing in abuse claims, commented: “The revelations have shaken trust in the Church’s ability to protect its congregants and uphold its duty of care.”
The Church now faces an uphill battle to restore faith and demonstrate its commitment to transparency and justice, beginning with Cottrell’s call for repentance this Christmas.
