Bishop Stephen Cottrell, an Art alumnus of the University, has been officially confirmed as the Archbishop of York.
Bishop Cottrell was ordained priest in 1985 before starting his ministry at Christchurch in Forest Hill, London. He graduated from the Art course at the Polytechnic of Central London, the University’s predecessor, after which he began his working life in the film industry.
The service, which was due to happen in York Minster, took place on 9 July and was broadcast via video conference due to coronavirus restrictions. It was in two parts: the legal ceremony with readings, prayers and music; and a film marking the start of Bishop Cottrell’s ministry as Archbishop of York.
The Confirmation of Election is the formal legal process that completes the appointment of senior bishops. Prior to the confirmation, the College of Canons of York Minster elected the Archbishop Designate as the Queen’s nominee for the post.
At the start of the proceedings, Bishop Cottrell gave his consent to his appointment. Following the reading of the Queen's Letters Patent, legal documents supporting the appointment were produced to show that all necessary procedures have been followed. At the conclusion, the election was confirmed, and Bishop Cottrell became the Archbishop of York.
The service included music from York Minster Choir and Manor Church of England Academy School in York and young people from across the North of England read a letter written by the medieval religious scholar Alcuin of York.
Bishop Cottrell then offered his first address as Archbishop of York, after which prayers were offered for the Archbishop, the Diocese of York and the Northern Province of the Church of England as well as for the wider world.
Commenting on the service, Bishop Stephen Cottrell said: “I am looking forward to beginning my ministry as the 98th Archbishop of York. This isn’t quite how I imagined it would begin. It is certainly the first time an Archbishop’s election will have been confirmed via video conference. But we’re all having to re-imagine how we live our lives and how we inhabit the world. These are difficult times.
“My hope is that through this service the love of God that is given us in Jesus Christ will shine out, perhaps even to those who while never attending a service in York Minster, might have a look online. I can still just about remember what it’s like to not be part of the Christian community. What inspired me to follow Jesus is that vision of a new humanity that I see in him. Following in the footsteps of my many predecessors, I look forward to serving our nation and bringing the love and peace of Christ to our world, especially here in the north.”
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said: "Like so many across the Church of England and Anglican Communion, I am looking forward to welcoming Bishop Stephen to his new ministry with joy, thanksgiving and hope. He radiates the love of Jesus Christ wherever he goes, and along with my fellow bishops, I look forward to serving alongside him. These are difficult times for everyone, and frightening and painful times for many. But we believe as strongly as ever that Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness. I pray that this new beginning for Bishop Stephen as he becomes Archbishop of York is also a moment that refreshes our hope, deepens our faith and sends us out with new energy to love and serve others in Christ's name.”
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