Breaking News:Stephen Cottrell appointed next archbishop of York

Bishop of Chelmsford to take over from John Sentamu, Downing Street has announced 

The next archbishop of York will be the current bishop of Chelmsford, Stephen Cottrell, Downing Street has announced. He will take over from John Sentamu when he retires next year. The Queen nominated the Rt Revd Cottrell on Tuesday morning. He will replace the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu, who retires on June 7 next year Bishop Cottrell, a father of three, said: “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.”Although I was born and grew up in Essex, I lived and served in Huddersfield for nine years. I know and love the north of England. Two of our children were born there.

“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.” Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has welcomed the appointment and said: “I am delighted that the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell has been nominated to become the next Archbishop of York.”Archbishop Sentamu’s ministry has been extraordinarily significant. In Bishop Stephen there is a worthy successor.”

The incoming Archbishop of York was educated at the Polytechnic of Central London and trained for ministry at St Stephen’s House, Oxford. He served his title at Christ Church and St Paul’s, Forest Hill in the Diocese of Southwark and was ordained Priest in 1985. He studied for an MA with St Mellitus College which was awarded through Middlesex University. In 1988, the Rt Revd Cottrell was appointed Priest-in-charge, St Wilfrid’s in the Diocese of Chichester with the additional role of Assistant Director of Pastoral Studies and Tutor in Apologetics at Chichester Theological College.

In 1993, he was appointed Diocesan Missioner and Bishop’s Chaplain for Evangelism in the Diocese of Wakefield and in 1998 he took up the role of Springboard Missioner and Consultant in Evangelism. In 2001, the Rt Revd Cottrell was appointed Vice Dean and Canon Pastor of Peterborough Cathedral. Stephen was appointed Bishop of Reading in 2004 and took up his current role as Bishop of Chelmsford in 2010. He is married to Rebecca who is a potter. They have three sons.