Increasingly untenable for Archbishop of York to take over as Church of England's most senior figure: The Yorkshire Post says

At what should be the high point of the Christian calendar, the Church of England is gripped by a growing crisis this Christmas over its handling of abuse cases.

It is now less than a fortnight until Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby steps down after resigning in the wake of a report which concluded John Smyth – the most prolific serial abuser to be associated with the Church – might have been brought to justice had Mr Welby formally reported him to police in 2013.

Now the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, who is due to take on many of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s official functions temporarily from January 6, is facing similar allegations of failing to act in a different case.

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Mr Cottrell is under increased pressure after new revelations that David Tudor was twice reappointed under him while he was serving as bishop of Chelmsford. Tudor was suspended from ministry for five years in 1988 having admitted, according to a tribunal document, having sex with a 16-year-old girl he met when she was a pupil at a school where he was chaplain.

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell speaks during a Church of England press conference at Lambeth Palace Library in 2023. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA WireArchbishop of York Stephen Cottrell speaks during a Church of England press conference at Lambeth Palace Library in 2023. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell speaks during a Church of England press conference at Lambeth Palace Library in 2023. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

He returned in 1994 until more abuse claims were made against him in 2019. Tudor was banned from ministry for life this year after admitting what the Church of England described as serious sexual abuse involving two girls aged 15 and 16.

Mr Cottrell was briefed on the situation in 2010 and had said it was “not possible” to remove Tudor until the fresh allegations were made in 2019. But a BBC investigation has revealed Tudor’s contract was renewed in 2013 and 2018 with the Archbishop “accepting responsibility” for him remaining in post.

A victim told the BBC the situation is now “beyond apologies” and Mr Cottrell should not become the most senior figure in the Church of England.

In the circumstances, it is increasingly hard to see how it is tenable for Mr Cottrell to take over responsibilities from Mr Welby in January – even on a temporary basis.

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