Archbishop's Christmas sermon 'empty words', Bishop says

The Bishop of Newcastle has criticised the Archbishop of York's Christmas sermon, just weeks before he takes over as leader of the Church of England.

Stephen Cottrell's remarks capped off a turbulent end to the year for the Church, following the release of a report which accused it of covering up sexual abuse.

That prompted the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby after he was criticised for not doing enough to stop a prolific abuser.

With Mr Welby opting to break with years of tradition and miss this year's Christmas services at Canterbury Cathedral, Mr Cottrell's remarks were closely watched.

Helen-Ann Hartley, who as Bishop of Newcastle has been a vocal critic of Mr Cottrell, described his sermon as "empty words. I have no words more than that to describe their meaning."

She has previously said he should resign as archbishop.

At York Minster on Christmas morning, the archbishop appeared to address criticism of the church directly.

He spoke of the need not just to talk about justice and love but to "walk the talk". Mr Cottrell also spoke of "the inadequacies of those who talk a good game, but whose words are never embodied in action".

"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," he said.