Bishop's Fiery Critique Fuels Leadership Turmoil at the Church of England

In a dramatic intervention, a high-ranking bishop condemned his colleague, declaring him the wrong person to guide the Church of England at a time when the institution is facing explosive internal conflicts. This criticism comes amid heated discussions about the future leadership following the disgraceful resignation of Justin Welby, which stemmed from serious safeguarding failures.

Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, who has been serving as the acting head of the church, has faced mounting pressure and scrutiny over his past decisions. Critics argue that he did not act swiftly enough regarding priest David Tudor—a case that involved allegations over mishandling issues linked to child safety. The controversy is further complicated by claims that Cottrell failed to address these concerns adequately while he was formerly responsible for overseeing a troubled situation.

The discord within the church deepened amid further allegations of misconduct. A notable incident involved accusations that Cottrell bullied his way into ensuring the appointment of John Perumbalath as Bishop of Liverpool, a move that contributed to Perumbalath’s own resignation after facing sexual assault and harassment allegations. In response, Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, the Bishop of Newcastle, launched a sharp critique of Cottrell, asserting that his leadership was not only inappropriate but also set a poor example during these turbulent times for the church.