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,

The Most Rev Stephen Cottrell says Church should ‘kneel in penitence’ after criticism over failures in its handling of abuse

The Church of England needs to "kneel in penitence" and "be changed", the Archbishop of York has said in his Christmas Day sermon. It comes at a challenging time for the Church, which has faced criticism over how it handled a number of abuse scandals.

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has used his Christmas Day sermon to call for change in the Church of England.

Archbishop of York’s Christmas Day sermon empty words, Bishop of Newcastle says - Stephen Cottrell said the Church should ‘kneel in penitence’ during his sermon at York Minister.

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.