Justin Welby’s successor the Archbishop of York faces calls to resign over ‘heinous’ church abuse scandal

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Justin Welby’s successor the Archbishop of York faces calls to resign over ‘heinous’ church abuse scandal
Author: Jamie Phillips
Published: Dec, 16 2024 07:19

THE Archbishop of York is reportedly facing calls to quit over his handling of a "heinous" church abuse case. Stephen Cottrell is due to take temporary charge of the Church of England in a matter of days. But he is now facing allegations he allowed a priest to remain in a diocese despite him being barred from being alone with children, the BBC reports.

 [The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell]
Image Credit: The Sun [The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell]

Tudor, who was barred from the ministry over historical sex abuse allegations, is understood to have also paid compensation to a sexual abuse victim. The Archbishop of York, then Bishop of Chelmsford, claims he did not have the legal power to sack the priest.

 [He had been due to step into the role left by the shamed Justin Welby]
Image Credit: The Sun [He had been due to step into the role left by the shamed Justin Welby]

But Bishop of Newcastle Rt Rev Helen-Ann Hartley has today said he could have done more and should step down. She told BBC File on 4 Investigates: "It completely undermines his credibility that this case was not acted on. "How can you have the moral and ethical authority to lead an institution with that?".

Tudor is said to have paid £10,000 to a woman he abused as a child. The victim, who cannot be named, says Mr Cottrell failed to act when informed about the payment and ass called on him to step down. She said: "I feel like he [Stephen Cottrell] has spat in my face,".

It comes after the Archbishop of Canterbury resigned last month. He quit following a report criticising his handling of allegations against Christian camp leader John Smyth, who sexually abused 130 boys and young men. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online.

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