Christmas row erupts as top Church of England bishop brands Archbishop's sermon as 'empty words' after abuse scandals
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A Church of England bishop has branded the Archbishop of York's Christmas Day sermon as "empty words" amid ongoing abuse scandals within the institution.
Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley delivered the stinging rebuke on social media following Stephen Cottrell's address at York Minster.
Her criticism came after the Archbishop spoke about the need for the Church to "strip off her finery and kneel in penitence".
"Empty words. I have no words more than that to describe their meaning," Bishop Hartley wrote in response to Cottrell's sermon.
Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley spoke out after Stephen Cottrell's address at York Minster
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The clash emerges at a challenging time for the Church of England, which faces intense scrutiny over its handling of abuse cases.
In his Christmas sermon, Archbishop Cottrell spoke of "the inadequacies of those who talk a good game, but whose words are never embodied in action".
He called on the Church to focus on helping the vulnerable, saying: "Put the needs of others first – those who are cold and hungry and homeless this Christmas. Those who are victims of abuse and exploitation."
The Archbishop, who will take over many Church leadership duties when Justin Welby steps down next month, emphasised the need to "walk the talk".
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The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell (centre) following the Christmas Day Festal Eucharist service at York Minster
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"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," he told worshippers at York Minster. The tensions come amid revelations that Cottrell had allowed a priest accused of abuse to remain in his post while serving as Bishop of Chelmsford.
A BBC investigation revealed Cottrell knew about abuse allegations against David Tudor, who was banned from being alone with children but continued serving as a priest for nine years under his leadership.
Tudor was only suspended in 2019 when police launched an investigation, though he had previously paid compensation to an alleged victim
A spokeswoman for Cottrell said no-one had advised him at the time that David Tudor should not continue as an area dean, and she added that even had he not continued in that role, it would not have meant he was removed as parish priest.
The crisis deepened last month when Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigned following criticism over his handling of the John Smyth case, where more than 120 boys and young men were abused.
Welby is not presiding over Christmas services at Canterbury Cathedral this year, instead spending "private time with his family".
Despite the controversy, Archbishop Cottrell emerged smiling from the Christmas Day service to greet well-wishers outside York Minster. He wished those gathered at the West Door a "Merry Christmas" before chatting with them in the precinct.
The Archbishop then returned to greet hundreds of worshippers as they left the church, with many offering warm handshakes and pats on the back.
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