New Archbishop of York once called on Church to drop middle class 'M&S' image

The next Archbishop of York will be a minister who once called on the Church to drop its middle class “Marks and Spencer” image.

The current Bishop of Chelmsford, Stephen Cottrell, will take up the post, Downing Street announced today.

The job is the second most important in the Church of England.

Bishop Stephen, who is married with three children, will take up the role when John Sentamu stands down in June next year.

He said he was “humbled and excited” at becoming the 98th Archbishop of York.

The new Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell during a photocall at York Minster (PA)

In 2009, Bishop Stephen said: “Even today I meet people who think you have to be highly educated or suited and booted to be a person who goes to church.

"That’s so frustrating.

“How did it come to this, that we have become known as just the Marks and Spencer option when in our heart of hearts we know that Jesus would just as likely be in the queue at Asda or Aldi?”

Bishop Stephen, 61, admitted the church’s record on ethnic diversity “isn’t good” as he prepared to replace Archbishop John, the church’s most senior black bishop.

The outgoing Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu (PA)

With his wife Rebecca (PA)

Speaking to journalists in London, Bishop Stephen renewed his calls for greater equality for black and minority ethnic clergy in senior positions - and said bishops “must take responsibility” for a lack of diversity.

He also pledged the church should welcome “absolutely everyone, regardless of their sexuality,” adding: “There is absolutely no place for homophobia in the Church.”

The new Archbishop is 'humbled and excited' (PA)

Bishop Stephen said it was important “survivors’ voices are heard” in the wake of claims being examined by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

He added: “When I look at the challenges that lie ahead, I think this is probably the most important.

“We need to put our house in order, we need to ensure that the church is a safe place for everyone.

“I believe we are doing really good work in that area but I am not complacent and I know there’s still much to do.

“Particularly it’s about listening to survivors and making sure their voices are heard but I hope in the work I will do as Archbishop of York with the Archbishop of Canterbury, making the church safe for everyone will be a really top priority.”