The Archbishop of York, who is set to temporarily lead the Anglican Church, called for the institution to “repent.” This was made during his Christmas sermon following revelations of several cases of sexual abuse.

Stephen Cottrell will effectively become temporary leader of the Church in England next month after the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby - but he has already faced calls to quit himself.

The archbishop of York is expected to call on the Church of England to “kneel in penitence” over numerous abuse scandals, according to local media on Wednesday. This comes as the church has faced criticism over how it handled abuse scandals.

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

The Bishop of Newcastle has criticised the Christmas Day sermon delivered by the Archbishop of York, describing his suggestion that the Church of England needs to change as “empty words”. Stephen Cottrell said the Church should “kneel in penitence” as it continues to face criticism over failures in its handling of various abuse scandals.

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,

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.