The Fellowship of Reconciliation welcomed Stephen Cottrell’s appointment as the new Archbishop of York (17 Dec 2019). In particular, it welcomed the appointment of someone with a history of speaking up for peace and defending the right to non-violent protest.
John Cooper, Director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation said:
“We welcome the news of Bishop Stephen Cottrell’s appointment as the next Archbishop of York. His prayerful leadership and willingness to stand up for Peace has been a powerful combination throughout much of his public ministry.
When we heard the news we thought of his interjection in parliament when he spoke about non-violent protest as a way of speaking up for the voiceless. He suggested that the Stanstead 15 case often centred on any ‘trouble’ they caused. However, he said “Peace makers are often initially perceived as trouble makers”.
We hope the prayerful encouragement of holy troublemakers for peace continues in his new role. We will be upholding him in our prayers.”
