Audio By Carbonatix
The Church of England's second most senior cleric Stephen Cottrell will call in a Christmas sermon on Wednesday for repentance and change within an institution reeling from child abuse cover-up scandals.
This year's festivities have been overshadowed by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby's resignation over a cover-up and accusations of further safeguarding failures by his number two Cottrell, who is the Archbishop of York.
In addition to its 16,000 churches in England, the Church, which traces its roots to the Roman Empire, is also the mother church for 85 million Anglicans in over 165 countries.
"Right now, this Christmas, God's Church itself needs to come to the manger and strip off her finery and kneel in penitence and adoration.
"And be changed," Cottrell will say at York Minster in northern England, according to extracts shared by his office.
Welby, who stepped down in November following a report that he had failed to take sufficient action to stop prolific sex abuser John Smyth, will not deliver the main Christmas sermon at the historic Canterbury Cathedral.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana and Afreximbank announce successful resolution of $750 million facility
3 hours -
IGP inaugurates Ghana Police Music AcademyÂ
3 hours -
Proposed 5-year presidential term will be difficult for underperforming presidents to seek more – Prof Prempeh
3 hours -
Constitution review was inclusive, structured and effective – Prof Prempeh
3 hours -
Public urged to remain vigilant to ensure fire incident-free Christmas Â
3 hours -
Why the fight against neglected tropical diseases is far from over
3 hours -
Reported losses from gold operations in 2025 remain speculative – BoG
4 hours -
Fighting AIDS and STIs in Africa: UNFPA equips youth to turn data into action
4 hours -
Amaarae returns to Accra for homecoming concert
4 hours -
5-year term will be harsher on presidents, not kinder, says Constitution Review Chair
4 hours -
BoG set to exit gold trading business, describes IMF’s losses tag as premature
4 hours -
Minerals Commission Board member warns Blue Water Guards against bribes
4 hours -
Santasi–Ahodwo dualisation takes off; businesses given final eviction deadline
4 hours -
Proposed 5-year presidential term will not apply to current President – Prof Prempeh
5 hours -
Key observations on the Constitutional Review Commission Report submitted to President Mahama
5 hours