Stephen Cottrell to deliver Christmas sermon in place of Justin Welby, who will step down as de facto head of church

The archbishop of York is expected to highlight the need for actions more than words in a Christmas sermon, as the Church of England faces criticism over failures in its handling of recent abuse scandals.

Stephen Cottrell, who will become temporary leader of the Church in England in early January in place of the outgoing archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is expected to say the church must “kneel in penitence and adoration” this Christmas and “be changed”.