By Ashley Young-
The Bishop of Chelmsford has been nominated by Her Majesty the Queen as the new Archbishop of York.The Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, who was ordained as the tenth Bishop of Chelmsford in November 2010 is in succession to the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu. Dr John Sentamu will retire from his post as Archbishop of York on June 7, 2020. Cotrell, who has been named the 98th archbishop of York, the second most senior figure in the Church of England.
He told a press conference in Church House, Westminster: “I’m a boy from a very ordinary family, from a secondary modern school in Essex, who is now called to be the archbishop of York.” There “wasn’t much church in my growing up”, he said, but watching the film Jesus of Nazareth at the age of 12 “changed my life”.
Bishop Stephen said: “I am humbled and excited at the prospect of becoming the 98th Archbishop of York.
“I will receive the baton from Archbishop Sentamu. These aren’t just big shoes to fill, but a big heart and a big vision.
“However I am not daunted. Archbishop Sentamu and I have worked together in mission on many occasions and I hope to build on the work he has pioneered.
“Working alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury, I hope to help the church be more joyful and more effective in sharing the gospel and bringing hope and unity to our nation.”
The Diocese of Chelmsford, also known as ‘the Church of England in East London and Essex,’ comprises of the London boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest, the county of Essex.
Following his election as the Archbishop of York, Bishop Stephen will lead the twelve dioceses in the northern province of the Church of England.
He added: “I now look forward to returning and being a voice for the North, sharing the liberating good news of the gospel and helping to address the discrepancies of wealth and opportunity that too often favour the South.”