A warm welcome

Best wishes to new Archbishop

THE GOOD wishes of all in Yorkshire go to the new Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, after his enthronement yesterday.

As the second- most senior clergyman in the Church of England, his ministry will play a central role in the lives of worshippers not just in Yorkshire but throughout the whole country.

Yet Archbishop Cottrell’s influence will extend far beyond committed Anglicans.

As the 98th incumbent of his office, he takes his place in a long and distinguished tradition of Archbishops of York who have played an important role in the life of the wider community as voices of reason and compassion, and as unifying figures who bring people together in spirit of friendship, respect and co- operation for the benefit of all.

Such virtues matter more than ever in the uncertain times through which our country is living, when bitter discord characterises so much debate.

Archbishop Cottrell’s predecessor, John Sentamu, demonstrated how powerful a force for good the office is.

It is mystifying why Dr Sentamu was not awarded a peerage in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. This astonishing oversight by the Government should be rectified when the New Year’s Honours are announced, and indeed the new Archbishop tweeted his support for that.

For now, though, we offer the warmest of welcomes to Archbishop Cottrell. It is certain both that the people of our county will afford him the respect and affection that they have historically shown his predecessors, and he will contribute much that is good to the life of Yorkshire.