Bishops congratulate newly appointed Archbishop of York
Both bishops in the Diocese of Carlisle – the Church of England in Cumbria – have welcomed news that the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell is to be the next Archbishop of York.
Bishop Stephen, currently Bishop of Chelmsford, will succeed Dr John Sentamu who retires in June, 2020, becoming the 98th Archbishop of York.
He is well known to the Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev James Newcome – they both sit in the House of Lords - and the Bishop of Penrith, the Rt Rev Dr Emma Ineson, who has recently provided a commendation for a forthcoming book he has written.
Bishop James said: “I give thanks to God both for Stephen’s appointment and for the wonderful ministry and leadership displayed by Archbishop Sentamu.
“I’m currently in London preparing for the state opening of Parliament so it will be wonderful to have the opportunity to see Stephen face-to-face in order to pass on my best wishes. My prayers are with him and his family as he prepares for the move north.
“I also give thanks for all Archbishop Sentamu has done to spread the gospel message in the Northern Province. We have had the joy of welcoming him to Cumbria on numerous occasions; his energy and enthusiasm for evangelism has been truly inspiring.”
Bishop Emma said: “I was delighted this morning to hear the news that Stephen Cottrell is to be the next Archbishop of York. I’m also today giving grateful thanks to God for the wonderful, faithful, fruitful service of Archbishop Sentamu in the Province.
“I have had the privilege of ministering alongside Bishop Stephen in several contexts over the years and know him to be wise, prayerful and approachable. He will be an excellent Archbishop of York, and I am very much looking forward to working with him and all God’s people to see God’s Kingdom come in the North!”
The news has also been welcomed by the Ven Vernon Ross, Archdeacon of Westmorland and Furness, who came to Cumbria from the Diocese of Chelmsford in 2016.
He said: “I know Bishop Stephen to be a missional bishop and an inspirational communicator with a passion for the gospel.It will be great to welcome him as Archbishop of York as he continues to build on evangelism and fresh expressions of church in the Province.”
ENDS
For further information please contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Communications Manager, on 07469 153658, 01768 807764 or atcommunications@carlislediocese.org.uk.