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.

The Archbishop of York is expected to highlight the need for actions over words as he delivers a Christmas Day sermon at a challenging time during which the Church of England faces criticism over failures in its handling of various abuse scandals.

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.

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.