Archbishop of York to Call for Church ‘Change’ in Christmas Sermon Amid Abuse Criticism

Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, who is slated to assume leadership responsibilities for the Church of England next month, is anticipated to advocate for reform during his Christmas sermon. Mr. Cottrell’s address will occur while the Church is under scrutiny for its inadequate management of multiple abuse scandals. Last month, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby stepped down following criticism regarding his insufficient actions to prevent a prolific abuser. Consequently, he will not lead the Christmas service at Canterbury Cathedral. Individuals directly impacted by the abuse scandals have shared their experiences of a challenging Christmas, expressing a sentiment that their voices remain unheard. A woman, who alleges sexual abuse by a priest, informed the BBC: “I just feel that Stephen Cottrell hasn’t really thought about how victims would feel [that he is] the voice of the Church moving into Christmas”. Mr. Cottrell, who is scheduled to assume numerous leadership responsibilities for the Church on 6 January upon Mr. Welby’s departure, has encountered demands for his resignation. On Christmas morning at York Minster, he is expected to discuss the necessity of not merely speaking about justice and love, but to “walk the talk”. He will address “the inadequacies of those who talk a good game, but whose words are never embodied in action”. Furthermore, Mr. Cottrell will discuss assisting the most vulnerable, stating: “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 is expected to 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. At the centre of the Christmas story is a vulnerable child; a vulnerable child that Herod’s furious wrath will try and destroy, for like every tyrant he cannot abide a rival.” He will continue: “The Church of England… 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.” Mr. Cottrell has faced examination regarding his management of David Tudor, a priest under his supervision, who, despite being prohibited by the Church from being unsupervised with children, continued in his position for several years. The Archbishop of Canterbury resigned in November after a report criticized his handling of John Smyth, who abused over 120 boys and young men. The Church announced that Mr. Welby would be spending “private time with his family” during this Christmas period. Other bishops have directly addressed the Church’s crisis in their Christmas messages. Steven Croft, the Bishop of Oxford, who has also encountered demands for his resignation, referred to “a crisis in confidence in many of our institutions, including in our own Church”. Mr. Croft stated that Christmas offered an opportunity for reflection and assessment. While churches nationwide are concentrating on a gospel narrative of hope overcoming darkness, this year’s exceptionally challenging context has led local clergy to hear expressions of frustration from their parishioners. Rev Matt Woodcock, vicar at St Stephen’s Church in York, commented: “It’s just a magical time for the community, but this month has been really hard to be in the Church of England because of all that’s going on. It’s an institution that’s probably in crisis really.” He further stated: “There is a sense that people feel really confused and disappointed with what’s going on, and just longing for some leadership to get things sorted out,” also mentioning that he has frequently felt compelled to apologize for his institution. Rev Woodcock indicated that his focus this Christmas is on reassuring individuals that the Church continues to provide local support. However, a woman has expressed deep disappointment regarding the national Church leadership’s reaction to the abuse she claims to have experienced. The woman, whose identity is being withheld, alleges she was sexually abused by the priest David Tudor as a girl in the 1980s. She learned only last year that Tudor had been reinstated into the Church following a suspension and had served as a priest for nine years while Mr. Cottrell was in charge. She remarked: “I will find it difficult to listen to [a Christmas sermon from] Stephen Cottrell and not separate the message that he’s putting across from what I know.” A BBC Investigation disclosed that Mr. Cottrell was informed of abuse allegations against Tudor, a priest prohibited from being alone with children, upon becoming Bishop of Chelmsford in 2010. Subsequently, Mr. Cottrell was informed that Tudor had compensated an alleged victim, and the Church also reached a six-figure settlement with another woman who reported abuse by Tudor; however, Tudor’s suspension did not occur until 2019, coinciding with the initiation of a police investigation. The archbishop stated that this had represented his initial chance to take action. The woman commented: “All I see is a man that has let me and many victims down,” further noting that the Church did not clarify how Tudor had resumed his priestly duties. The woman mentioned that this Christmas was especially challenging for her as it marked her first without her grandmother, who passed away earlier this year. She recounted: “When she found out what David Tudor had done to me she never set foot in a church again. She knew what was right and wrong, she felt compassion for me and immediately knew what to do.” She added: “It is in complete contrast to the actions of the Church.” Tudor was apprehended in April 2019 on suspicion of indecent assault, but the charges were dismissed in August 2022. He was dismissed from his priestly role this October following his admission of sexual misconduct to a Church of England tribunal. Last month, Surrey Police announced their intention to review allegations of “non-recent indecent assault offences” against an individual, considering the tribunal’s conclusions. Tudor has not provided a response to any of the BBC’s inquiries for comment. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. 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