In a scathing critique, Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley labeled the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell’s Christmas sermon as ’empty words.’ This controversy follows the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who stepped down after being criticized for his handling of sexual abuse allegations within the Church of England. Cottrell’s sermon, delivered at York Minster, called for genuine action to accompany words of justice and love, a message seen as direct commentary on the Church’s recent issues.