Summary
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, will not face a disciplinary hearing over his handling of a vicar, David Tudor, who had a history of sexual misconduct. A Church tribunal decided Cottrell lacked the power to remove Tudor from his post despite knowing about his past. The decision has caused concern among victims and church members about accountability within the Church of England.
Key Facts
- Stephen Cottrell was the Bishop of Chelmsford before becoming Archbishop of York.
- David Tudor had a history of sexual misconduct dating back to the 1980s.
- Tudor was briefly jailed in 1988 but later returned to church ministry.
- Cottrell allowed Tudor to continue as a vicar under his supervision for nine years.
- A Church tribunal ruled that Cottrell did not have the authority to remove Tudor.
- Cottrell admitted it was a mistake to reappoint Tudor as area dean.
- Tudor is now permanently banned from church ministry.
- The case has raised concerns about leadership and accountability in the Church of England.
