Archbishop to say Church 'must kneel in penitence'

Christmas Day message follows on from abuse scandal

- HOLLY BANCROFT, AINE FOX

The Church of England must “kneel in penitence” and “be changed”, the Archbishop of York will say in his Christmas Day sermon, after a turbulent year in which senior leaders have apologised for their handling of historic allegations of abuse,

Following the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell is to become temporary leader of the Church of England next month.

Dr Welby stood down in November after a damning report exposed a “conspiracy of silence” about the abuse of children and young men perpetrated by barrister John Smyth. Mr Cottrell has also had to apologise this month over the handling of a sexual abuse case while he was Bishop of Chelmsford.

With Dr Welby out of public view this Christmas and not delivering the December 25 sermon, focus has shifted to Mr Cottrell’s speech from York Minster. He is expected to say the Church of England must “kneel in penitence and adoration” this Christmas and “be changed”. He will also say the needs of others, including victims of abuse and exploitation must be put first – and challenge people not to “just talk about justice” but act to change things for the better.