News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

UK News

Archbishop of York: Church of England should have a louder political voice

by Press Association

The Church of England should have a louder political voice, the Archbishop of York has said.

In an interview with The Observer, Stephen Cottrell, who became the Church of England's second most senior clergyman when he was enthroned in October, said he wants the church to take a bigger lead in a political climate in which "we've learned to accommodate things that we know are wrong".

The 62-year-old told the paper: "I simply don't accept a separation between the church and politics, faith and politics or, for that matter, anything and politics.

"It's about how we inhabit the world - and everybody and every organisation and every community has a voice and a stake."

Mr Cottrell spoke to the paper in advance of the publication this week of his book Dear England: Finding Hope, Taking Heart and Changing the World.

The father-of-three has been a longtime advocate for the church's participation in social causes. Since 2011, he has served as chair of the Board of Church Army, an organisation based in Sheffield committed to evangelism and social justice.

Mr Cottrell said he could not be part of a church which did not have a political voice, adding: "It's so much at the heart of what I believe to be the calling of the church. Loving your neighbour is a profoundly political statement.

"We've learned to accommodate things that we know are wrong, which it would be possible to do something about."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate