A NEW BEGINNING
Tradition is upended at minster as Stephen Cottrell is enthroned as Church’s second most senior cleric
IN NORMAL times, a new Archbishop of York marks his arrival by knocking three times on the West Door of the city’s minster with the historic staff of office, the Braganza Crozier, to request admission.
It is a symbolic gesture, one which is meant to signal the cathedral welcoming its new head.
These, however, are not normal times, so when the former Bishop of Chelmsford Stephen Cottrell yesterday became the city’s 98th Archbishop, he chose to knock instead on the inside of the grand wooden entrance before throwing the doors open to the public.
He said: “It felt like the right thing to do in the circumstances. We wanted to show that the Church is open to everyone and that we are here to support and help in these unprecedented times.”
While the new Archbishop initially looked a little unsure about what to do next, it was understandable. The usual enthronement service had been shelved in the wake of coronavirus and in its place came a low-key ceremony devoid of the usual religious fanfare.
Before his arrival at the minster, his official confirmation had taken place behind closed doors with the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby giving a formal address via Zoom.
Broadcast on the Church of England’s website, afterwards the surreal nature of the day continued as the newly confirmed Archbishop made his way to The Shambles.
Pausing for a moment of private prayer at the shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow,
passers-by appeared bemused rather than awed by the unexpected arrival of a religious procession.
Walking back through the city centre where many of the shops have yet to reopen, evidence that this was a very different welcome to the one enjoyed by his predecessor was everywhere.
Unlike in 2005, there was no music, no African dancers and the 3,500-strong congregation which had packed into the pews were reduced to just 30.
Seated one metre apart in line with social distancing guidelines, they were almost outnumbered by members of the Press. However, their applause as the new Archbishop picked up the Crozier for the first time was no less warm than 15 years earlier.
Striding to the end of the nave wearing a plain burgundy cassock, the Archbishop, who became a Christian after watching Franco Zeffirelli’s 1970s TV series Jesus of Nazareth, was finally able to greet members of his new congregation.
“I’m not quite sure how I ended up being Archbishop of York, but here I am – and the good thing is that you won’t be getting a long sermon,” he joked.
“But I can’t let this moment go without saying something, so let me tell you a story. It’s not a funny story, so please don’t laugh or I will have failed.
“A man dies and goes to heaven and when he gets there he sees two entrances. One says ‘heaven’; the other says ‘interesting discussion about the concept of heaven’ and everyone is standing outside the second door. What I want to say is, now is the time to stop talking about the good things and time to start living and sharing them.”
Like his predecessor, the Archbishop has a reputation for being outspoken. He has been a critic of the Trident nuclear programme and has called on the Church to be more proactive about increasing diversity, particularly among clergy.
However, yesterday he was more concerned with enjoying the moment along with his wife, Rebecca, before the couple returned to their new home at Bishopthorpe Palace.
The last words he said to the well-wishers were: “That’s all, folks.” It is, however, just the beginning for the new Archbishop facing the most challenging of times ahead.
We wanted to show that the Church is open to everyone.
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell.
“We look forward to being able to gather more fully to celebrate the beginning of Archbishop-elect Stephen’s ministry in due course. For now, we are happy to welcome Stephen and his family in great love and we pray for him as he prepares for the challenges and the joys his office will bring.”
The Dean of York, Dr Jonathan Frost.
“It was a delight to welcome Stephen Cottrell as the new Archbishop of York in the virtual confirmation today. I wish him every blessing in his new ministry.”
Tim Dakin, the Bishop of Winchester.
“Spine-tingling moment when Stephen Cottrell bangs on the minster door to be let out into the world. Wonderful symbolism as the whole of God’s creation adapts to life in a pandemic, the new Archbishop of York emerges from the minster into the world where God is.”
Jennifer Beaumont, curate in the Diocese of Manchester.
“Congratulations to our Most Reverend Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, who was confirmed today. And now an honorary Yorkshireman.”
North Yorkshire Police.
“Congratulations, Stephen Cottrell, on becoming Archbishop of
York, following in the giant footsteps of the charismatic
John
Sentamu.”
Broadcaster Floella Benjamin.
“I am so excited about working with Archbishop Stephen to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ. The next few years are going to be a huge adventure. We will be exploring our way into being a new Church in a new world. I’m sad we’re not able to all be together in York Minster to celebrate yet. But we know God is present to us at all times through the Holy Spirit.” The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.