New Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell confirmed in virtual ceremony

The new Archbishop of York has been confirmed in a virtual service led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

Bishop Steven Cottrell becomes the 98th Archbishop of York, taking over from Dr John Sentamu who was in the role for 15 years.

Archbishop Cottrell, who will be based at York Minster, said it was the first time the Confirmation of Election Service has been held online. It was streamed on Facebook, YouTube, and on the Church of England's website, from 11am on Thursday 9 July.

WATCH: Stephen Cottrell is confirmed as the Archbishop of York:

Opening the virtual ceremony, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said that "the foundations of our society have been shaken to their core by the ravages of the coronavirus".

He added: