C of E must ‘kneel in penitence’ after difficult year, says archbishop of York

Stephen Cottrell (left) has also faced criticism about his role in a sexual abuse case. Photograph: Reuters

The archbishop of York has highlighted the need for actions more than words in his Christmas sermon, as the Church of England faces criticism over failures in its handling of recent abuse scandals.

Stephen Cottrell, who will become the temporary leader of the Church in England in early January in place of the outgoing archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said the church must “kneel in penitence and adoration” this Christmas and “be changed”.