Archbishop Elect Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell takes up his Crozier as 98th Archbishop of York

Bishop Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell, took up the historic Braganza Crozier – his staff of office – in a short ceremony at York Minster, following his Confirmation of Election as the 98th Archbishop of York. Archbishop Elect Stephen’s Confirmation of Election service was broadcast entirely via video conference due to the Covid-19 restrictions. Following the service, Archbishop Stephen made a short walk of pilgrimage to the shrine of St Margaret Clitherow. Here, he was welcomed by the Rt Revd Terence Drainey, Roman Catholic Bishop of Middlesbrough. After a few moments of prayer, Archbishop Stephen then proceeded to the crypt of York Minster where he prayed at the tomb of St William of York. Archbishop Stephen then moved to the Quire of York Minster where he took up his Crozier in front of a small, socially distanced gathering drawn from his immediate staff representing the Archbishop’s Leadership Team, Bishopthorpe Palace and York Minster.