Stephen Cottrell named as the new Archbishop of York

The next Archbishop of York will be the current Bishop of Chelmsford, Stephen Cottrell, Downing Street has announced.

He will succeed Dr John Sentamu who retires in June of next year.

Bishop Stephen is regarded as a renowned preacher, author and communicator by the Church of England and will be the 98th occupant of the see of York.

He said:

His nomination was welcomed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

He said:

Archbishop Sentamu added:

Born in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, in 1958, the new archbishop was educated at Belfairs High School, Leigh-on-Sea, and the Polytechnic of Central London. He found faith as a teenager through the work of youth organisations in his local church.

After a brief spell working in the film industry, he began training for ministry in 1981 and was ordained deacon at the age of 26.

He has held a number of positions in the Church of England and written more than 20 books.