Festive sermon 'empty words'

THE Archbishop of York has been accused of "empty words" in his Christmas Day message by a leading member of his clergy.

- Mark Reynolds

In the face of criticism over Church of England failures in its handling of abuse scandals, Stephen Cottrell highlighted the need for actions over words during his sermon at York Minster.

But the Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, who had previously questioned how Mr Cottrell could have any credibility, launched a stinging social media attack yesterday.

She said: "The Archbishop of York says this today: 'Right now, this Christmas, God's Church itself needs to come again to the manger and strip off her finery and kneel in penitence and adoration. And be changed'.