The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has reaffirmed his commitment to accountability and reform within the Church of England as it faces significant internal and external challenges.
In his first interview since the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, he acknowledged the pain and frustration surrounding issues such as same-sex marriage, safeguarding failures, and governance structures within the Church.
Speaking ahead of the General Synod, the Archbishop acknowledged the deep anger and anguish within the Church but urged the Synod to focus on practical changes rather than blame.
"There will be a lot of pain and anger expressed, which I fully understand and share, but I hope we can focus on the changes we need to make," he said, as reported by Church Times.
Reflecting on the recent safeguarding scandals that have severely damaged the Church’s reputation, he admitted: "It is deeply shaming, and it’s wrong. We need to change."
He emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in governance, discipline, and clergy oversight.
“Whether you’re the Archbishop of York or a curate in a parish, we should all be held accountable.”
Amid growing public scrutiny, Archbishop Cottrell expressed hope that the Church, having been "humbled by its failings," could emerge as a more transparent and accountable institution.
He pointed out the progress made in safeguarding practices over recent decades, acknowledging past failures while noting that every parish now has a safeguarding officer, something that was unheard of 40 years ago.
On the topic of same-sex blessings, he stressed the importance of holding the Church together. "I completely understand the frustration of those who want progress to be faster, but I believe God is leading us to a place where we can deliver these changes in a way that is godly and unifying."
The Archbishop has faced personal criticism over his handling of the David Tudor case, a former priest in his previous diocese of Chelmsford, who was allowed back into ministry despite past allegations of sexual misconduct.
Calls for his resignation have emerged, but he insists he acted within the legal constraints at the time.
"I couldn’t suspend him under the law as it stood, and that was a deeply uncomfortable truth to live with.
But I deeply regret that mistakes were made before my time that allowed him back into ministry," he said.
He acknowledged his regret in making Tudor an honorary canon, explaining that it was a diocesan policy at the time, but admitted, "That was something I could have stopped."
Despite the crisis of trust facing the Church, Archbishop Cottrell remains committed to his role and believes he has a part to play in shaping its future.
He praised the dedication of clergy and lay leaders and called for collective responsibility rather than scapegoating individuals.
"I believe I should be held accountable. But I also believe that we must work together to make the necessary changes.
The Church must become more humble, more accountable, and more Christlike," he said.
Looking ahead, he acknowledged the challenge awaiting the next Archbishop of Canterbury but expressed his full support. "I pray for the person God will call to lead us next, and I am committed to working alongside them for the renewal of our Church."
"What God gives us in Jesus is what our world needs. That is what I am focused on."