METHINKS THIS LADY DOST PROTEST TOO MUCH?
Archbishop's Christmas sermon 'empty words', Bishop says
The Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley was the most senior member of the clergy to suggest Justin Welby step down, which he did last month
The Bishop of Newcastle has criticised the Archbishop of York's Christmas sermon, just weeks before he takes over as leader of the Church of England.
Stephen Cottrell's remarks capped off a turbulent end to the year for the Church, following the release of a report which accused it of covering up sexual abuse.
That prompted the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby after he was criticised for not doing enough to stop a prolific abuser.
With Mr Welby opting to break with years of tradition and miss this year's Christmas services at Canterbury Cathedral, Mr Cottrell's remarks were closely watched.
Helen-Ann Hartley, who as Bishop of Newcastle has been a vocal critic of Mr Cottrell, described his sermon as "empty words. I have no words more than that to describe their meaning."
She has previously said he should resign as archbishop.
At York Minster on Christmas morning, the archbishop appeared to address criticism of the church directly.
He spoke of the need not just to talk about justice and love but to "walk the talk". Mr Cottrell also spoke of "the inadequacies of those who talk a good game, but whose words are never embodied in action".
"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," he said.
Stephen Cottrell has been the Archbishop of York since 2020
Other bishops have confronted the Church crisis head on in their Christmas messages.
The Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, who has faced his own calls to resign, spoke of "a crisis in confidence in many of our institutions, including in our own Church".
He said Christmas was a time to pause and take stock.
Mr Cottrell, who is set to take over many of the Church's leadership duties on 6 January when Mr Welby leaves his position, has faced calls to step down.
He has been under scrutiny over his handling of a priest in his charge, David Tudor, who had been barred by the Church from being alone with children but who for years remained in his post.
In November, the Archbishop of Canterbury resigned following a report that criticised his handling of John Smyth who abused more than 120 boys and young men.
The Church said Mr Welby would be spending "private time with his family" this Christmas.
The Archbishop of York declined to respond to the Bishop of Newcastle's comments when contacted by the BBC.
Hear! Hear! I am beginning to weary of this sanctimonious lady. I have never been in favour of women bishops by the way.
ReplyDeleteArianna Huffington
More sloppy plagiarism from the clown Gene Vincent. Methinks the lady DOTH protest too much. And a typically inelegant reverse ferret from this terminally confused and completely shallow hypocrite. The Right Reverend Helen-Anne Hartley is a woman bishop with whom Gene agrees. But Gene has previously campaigned viciously and nastily against women bishops. He cannot be seen to change what passes for his mind so he now has to posture as her opponent, as if anybody gave two straws for what he thinks.
ReplyDeleteWhat an arsehole.
But never mind anyway. It will all be the same come Candlemass when the shit starts to fly.
DeleteI share Arianna Huffington-Puffington's concerns about this lady.
ReplyDeleteGENE
No, you don't, Gene: you have no concerns about anything or anyone but yourself, even your wife and family. It was common gossip for years in the school staffrooms that no-one could understand why such a wonderful, caring, honest and generously-spirited woman as Marianne could put up with "a basket case of a husband" like you - Mr Anonymous of Northwood's actual words.
DeleteYou are fooling no-one except yourself with this posturing. What a basket case you are indeed.