Election of Bishop Stephen Cottrell as the 98th Archbishop of York

Election of Bishop Stephen Cottrell as the 98th Archbishop of York, Thursday 11 June 2020

Bishop Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell was today formally ‘Elected’ by York Minster’s College of Canons to be the 98th Archbishop of York.  The election endorses the Queen’s nomination of Bishop Stephen as the new Archbishop, in a ceremony that has been part of the statutory process for appointing senior bishops in the Church of England since 1533.

The Election ceremony normally takes place in York Minster’s Chapter House with all of the Minster’s Canons present in person, but it was held today via video conference to comply with the Coronavirus restrictions.

As required by the 1533 Appointment of Bishops Act, the proclamation below, issued by the Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, Dean of York, as the President of the Minster’s College of Canons, was published at the end of the Election ceremony to announce the result:

“In the name of the College of Canons We, Jonathan Hugh Frost, being the Dean of the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York and President of the College of Canons of the said Cathedral Church,

“Being required publicly to notify and declare that the See of the Archbishopric of York having been for some time vacant by the resignation of the Most Reverend John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu last Archbishop thereof,

“We the said College of Canons of this Cathedral Church (in pursuance of and proceeding according to the tenor of a Writ of Congé D’Élire and Letter Recommendatory from Her Sacred Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second to Us directed and delivered) have this day Elected the Right Reverend Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell Bishop of Chelmsford to be our Archbishop and Pastor in this Archiepiscopal See of York whom God long preserve.

Read in the Deanery of the Cathedral Church of York aforesaid the eleventh day of June in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty, By us, Dean of York.”

Bishop Stephen’s appointment as Archbishop will be completed in the Confirmation of Election ceremony to be held at 11.00am on Thursday 9 July 2020, in a service that will be broadcast entirely via video conference due to the Coronavirus restrictions.  The service will be available on the Church of England website at www.churchofengland.org.

Arrangements for Bishop Stephen’s enthronement service at York Minster will be announced later in the year.

Prayer on the Election of the Archbishop of York

Generous God, we give you thanks:
you have heard our prayer,
guided your people
and raised up Stephen
to serve as the next Archbishop of York.
By your Holy Spirit, grant to him
good counsel, holy insight and
joy in the gospel,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Biographical details – Bishop Stephen Cottrell

Born in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, in 1958, Stephen Cottrell 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 at St Stephen’s House, Oxford, in 1981 and was ordained deacon at the age of 26. He later studied for an MA with St Mellitus College.

Serving his curacy in Christ Church and St Paul’s, Forest Hill, south London, in the mid-1980s he was priest-in-charge at St Wilfrid’s, in Parklands, a council estate parish in Chichester from 1988 to 1993. He also served as Assistant Director of Pastoral Studies at Chichester Theological College at the same time.

He then moved to West Yorkshire, as Diocesan Missioner and Bishop’s Chaplain for Evangelism in the Diocese of Wakefield and in 1998 he took up the role of Springboard Missioner and Consultant in Evangelism. During his time in the diocese he adopted Huddersfield Town as his team alongside his beloved Spurs.

In 2001, he was called south to become Canon Pastor of Peterborough Cathedral and three years later was consecrated as Bishop of Reading. He took up his current role as Bishop of Chelmsford in 2010.

Author of more than 20 books including children’s books, he enjoys poetry, music and art. His 2013 book on the artist Stanley Spencer, Christ in the Wilderness, prompted a recent podcast reflection with Russell Brand, discussing the crucifixion and resurrection.

He has undertaken several pilgrimages, including twice walking the Camino to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, as well as pilgrim routes in England including to his future See in York.

A founding member of the Church of England’s College of Evangelists, he chairs a group of bishops with an interest in the media and is one of the authors of the Church of England’s Pilgrim course, a major teaching and discipleship resource. He also chairs the Board of Church Army. Based in Sheffield, but working across the British Isles, Church Army is an organisation committed to evangelism and social justice. He is Bishop Protector for the Society of St Francis.

Stephen is married to Rebecca who is a potter.  They have three sons.

Archbishop lays down his crozier

Archbishop lays down his crozier on the high altar at York Minster as his last act as Archbishop of York

The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu, accompanied by his wife, the Revd Margaret Sentamu, laid down his crozier of office on the high altar of York Minster on Sunday 7 June. The Dean of York, the Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost and Head Verger Alex Carberry were witnesses to this final act as Archbishop.

The Dean of York said, “Today, in the simple and symbolic act of laying down his crozier, Archbishop Sentamu brought his ministry as Archbishop of York to a close. In current circumstances we have been unable to fulfil our hope to gather together for a service. However, in households and communities across the Diocese of York, the North and Nation, those whose lives have been graced by Sentamu and Margaret give thanks for their witness to the joy, simplicity and compassion of the good news of Jesus Christ.”

On 8 June 2020, Archbishop Sentamu concludes nearly 15 years in his role as Archbishop of York. He has served in ordained ministry within the Church of England for 41 years. The Archbishop will continue to live in the North of England, and has said he will continue with his work on the case for income equality and sustainability.

Photos taken by the Diocese of York are available HERE

The Diocese of York has released an online video tribute to Dr Sentamu, made during the ‘lockdown’ response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, and based on a series of recollections recorded by lay and ordained people from across the Diocese which has been led by Archbishop Sentamu since the 30th November 2005.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby gave a General Synod address to Archbishop Sentamu which is available at: https://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/news/latest-news/general-synod-archbishop-canterburys-tribute-archbishop-york

News article posted on behalf of  ABY and the York Diocese.

For media enquiries for the Archbishop of York, please contact Elizabeth Addy at email: Elizabeth.addy@archbishopofyork.org or at mb. 07738 354491

For media enquiries for the Diocese of York, please contact Martin Sheppard at email: martin.sheppard@yorkdiocese.org or at mb. 07377 356621

Joint statement by the Archbishop of York and Archbishop of Canterbury

Recent events in the United States of America have once again drawn public attention to the ongoing evil of white supremacy.

Systemic racism continues to cause incalculable harm across the world. Our hearts weep for the suffering caused – for those who have lost their lives, those who have experienced persecution, those who live in fear. God’s justice and love for all creation demands that this evil is properly confronted and tackled. Let us be clear: racism is an affront to God. It is born out of ignorance, and must be eradicated. We all bear the responsibility and must play our part to eliminate this scourge on humanity.

As Dr Martin Luther King Jr said, “In a real sense, we are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Therefore, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

We pray that God’s abounding wisdom, compassion and love will guide leaders across the world to forge a better society.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu and Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

The Chapter of York announces proposals for the closure of The Minster School

The Chapter of York, the governing body of York Minster, today announced proposals for the closure of The Minster School at the end of the summer term 2020.

As a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic York Minster has experienced a catastrophic loss of visitor income.  This particular income stream is crucial to the financial performance of the organisation as a whole and its ability to continue funding of all activities.

Parents and staff were informed of the proposals today.  The School will arrange a series of meetings with parents to discuss their options and to help them find new school places for their children.  A formal consultation process with the School’s staff and their representatives starts today.

The Dean of York, the Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, said that it was a terribly sad day for York Minster and for parents, staff and pupils of the School.  In a letter to parents, Jonathan explained:

“When setting its annual budget, in pre-Covid days, the Chapter of York anticipated an income of £9.4m in 2020. As a direct consequence of closure, and the total loss of visitor income and commercial activity associated with it, Chapter now anticipates a shortfall against budget of up to £5.2m in 2020. The severity of this shock to our system is only compounded by the unlikelihood of visitor numbers returning to 2019 levels in the foreseeable future.”

Jonathan explained that Chapter had planned to continue its investment of £750k in each of the next three years to create breathing space for the school to rise out of its financial deficit and to recruit new pupils. He said:

“With a £5.2m shortfall in 2020 and no return of visitors to 2019 levels in the short to medium term, such investment is no longer a viable option.  Intelligence drawn from the wider independent preparatory school sector suggests that the Minster School will be far from unique in facing this kind of dilemma.”

The Dean also announced Chapter’s intention to continue its historic commitment to the Anglican Choral Tradition, and to the education of its choristers, in partnership with St Peter’s School, York. In this new partnership, choristers will continue to be trained by York Minster’s Department of Music.

Commenting on the partnership with York Minster, William Woolley, Chair of Governors at St Peter’s School, said:

“The Minster with its wonderful choral singing is hugely important not only for York but also nationally and internationally.

“St Peter’s School is proud to become the Choir School of the Minster and to continue the excellent education of the choristers after the sad announcement. We will now have an important addition to our already world class capabilities at the same time protecting this great York cultural tradition.”

Head Master of St Peter’s, Jeremy Walker added:

“I am saddened that The Minster School is closing but look forward to welcoming choristers and their families to St Peter’s. They will be joining a school which nurtures and celebrates excellence, whether that be in music, academics, sport or all the other opportunities we share with our pupils.  They and future generations of choristers will be a great addition to the life of St Peter’s.”

Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster said:

“The Minster School can trace its origins back to AD 627 when St Paulinus founded the Minster and a school for its choristers.  This school went on to become what is now St Peter’s School. The very sad decision to close the present Minster School is set alongside this excellent opportunity for our choristers to continue to be educated together a short distance away, and for the Minster’s mission and choral tradition to continue to flourish for years to come.”

Dean’s Park reopens

York Minster’s Dean’s Park, the popular green space which runs along the north side of the cathedral, will reopen from Monday, 1 June.

The park, which has been closed to the public since the 23 March as part of the Minster’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic, will be open daily from 10am to 6pm.

People using the area are asked to respect Government advice and social distancing guidance by remaining at least 2m apart from others outside of their group at all times to ensure the park remains open for all.

Please note that ball games, smoking, alcohol and dogs are not permitted.

The cathedral and its wider precinct currently remain closed to the public while its governing body, the Chapter of York, plan how to safely reopen for worship and sightseeing, in line with advice from Government and Public Health England.

Confirmation of Election of Bishop Stephen Cottrell

Confirmation of Election of Bishop Stephen Cottrell as the 98th Archbishop of York, Thursday 9 July 2020

Bishop Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell will be confirmed as the 98th Archbishop of York at 11am on Thursday 9 July 2020, in a service broadcast entirely via video conference due to the Coronavirus restrictions.  As Presiding Judge, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, has granted permission for the virtual service to take place.

The service, which had been due to take place in York Minster, will be in two parts:  a legal ceremony with readings, prayers and music; and a film marking the start of Bishop Stephen’s ministry as Archbishop of York.

The service will include music from York Minster Choir and Manor Church of England Academy School (York). Young people from across the North of England, will read a letter written by the medieval religious scholar Alcuin of York. Bishop Stephen will offer his first address as Archbishop of York. Prayers will be offered for the Archbishop, the Diocese of York and the Northern Province of the Church of England as well as for the wider world in these difficult times.

Commenting on the service, Bishop Stephen Cottrell said: “I am looking forward to beginning my ministry as the 98th Archbishop of York. This isn’t quite how I imagined it would begin. It is certainly the first time an Archbishop’s election will have been confirmed via video conference. But we’re all having to re-imagine how we live our lives and how we inhabit the world. These are difficult times. My hope is that through this service the love of God that is given us in Jesus Christ will shine out, perhaps even to those who while never attending a service in York Minster, might have a look online. I can still just about remember what it’s like to not be part of the Christian community. What inspired me to follow Jesus is that vision of a new humanity that I see in him. Following in the footsteps of my many predecessors, I look forward to serving our nation and bringing the love and peace of Christ to our world, especially here in the north.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: “Like so many across the Church of England and Anglican Communion, I am looking forward to welcoming Bishop Stephen to his new ministry with joy, thanksgiving and hope. He radiates the love of Jesus Christ wherever he goes, and along with my fellow bishops, I look forward to serving alongside him.  These are difficult times for everyone, and frightening and painful times for many. But we believe as strongly as ever that Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness. I pray that this new beginning for Bishop Stephen as he becomes Archbishop of York is also a moment that refreshes our hope, deepens our faith and sends us out with new energy to love and serve others in Christ’s name.”

Commenting on behalf of the Bishops of the Northern Province, the Bishop of Newcastle, Christine Hardman said: “The Bishops of the Province of York welcome Bishop Stephen to his new ministry and look forward to working with him in serving communities across the north and in building confidence in the good news of Jesus Christ.”

The Dean of York, the Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost said:  “It is a joy to welcome Bishop Stephen to his Cathedral Church, new Diocese and to a vibrant community of cathedrals across the North of England:  they are true powerhouses of love and prayer.  Bishop Stephen, Rebecca and their family are enfolded in our prayers and love.”

Dr Nick Land, Chair of the House of Laity in York Diocesan Synod and Chair of the Diocese’s Vacancy in See Committee said:  “I would like to add my voice of welcome to Bishop Stephen. Anyone spending any time with him will be struck by Bishop Stephen’s deep love for God and his infectious enthusiasm for telling people about Jesus. My prayer and expectation is that he will lead us in deepening our personal commitment to Christ and will help us become more confident in sharing the Good News of the Gospel in the Diocese of York.”

The Confirmation of Election is the formal legal process that completes the appointment of senior bishops.  Prior to the confirmation, the College of Canons of York Minster will have elected the Archbishop Designate as the Queen’s nominee for the post. At the start of the proceedings, he will give his consent to his appointment.  Following the reading of the Queen’s Letters Patent, legal documents supporting the appointment will be produced to show that all necessary procedures have been followed.  At the conclusion, the election will be confirmed, and Bishop Stephen will become the Archbishop of York.  The service would ordinarily take place in York Minster, the seat of the Archbishop of York.

The service will be available on the Church of England website at www.churchofengland.org

Arrangements for Bishop Stephen’s enthronement service will be announced later in the year.

Prayer on the announcement of the Archbishop of York Designate

Generous God, we give you thanks:
you have heard our prayer,
guided your people
and raised up Stephen
to serve as the next Archbishop of York.
By your Holy Spirit, grant to him
good counsel, holy insight and
joy in the gospel,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Biographical details – Bishop Stephen Cottrell 

Born in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, in 1958, Stephen Cottrell 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 at St Stephen’s House, Oxford, in 1981 and was ordained deacon at the age of 26. He later studied for an MA with St Mellitus College.

Serving his curacy in Christ Church and St Paul’s, Forest Hill, south London, in the mid-1980s he was priest-in-charge at St Wilfrid’s, in Parklands, a council estate parish in Chichester from 1988 to 1993. He also served as Assistant Director of Pastoral Studies at Chichester Theological College at the same time.

He then moved to West Yorkshire, as Diocesan Missioner and Bishop’s Chaplain for Evangelism in the Diocese of Wakefield and in 1998 he took up the role of Springboard Missioner and Consultant in Evangelism. During his time in the diocese he adopted Huddersfield Town as his team alongside his beloved Spurs.

In 2001, he was called south to become Canon Pastor of Peterborough Cathedral and three years later was consecrated as Bishop of Reading. He took up his current role as Bishop of Chelmsford in 2010.

Author of more than 20 books including children’s books, he enjoys poetry, music and art. His 2013 book on the artist Stanley Spencer, Christ in the Wilderness, prompted a recent podcast reflection with Russell Brand, discussing the crucifixion and resurrection.

He has undertaken several pilgrimages, including twice walking the Camino to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, as well as pilgrim routes in England including to his future See in York.

A founding member of the Church of England’s College of Evangelists, he chairs a group of bishops with an interest in the media and is one of the authors of the Church of England’s Pilgrim course, a major teaching and discipleship resource. He also chairs the Board of Church Army. Based in Sheffield, but working across the British Isles, Church Army is an organisation committed to evangelism and social justice. He is Bishop Protector for the Society of St Francis.

Stephen is married to Rebecca who is a potter.  They have three sons.

Paschal Candle to be focus for prayer requests

Paschal (Easter) Candle to be focus for prayer requests at York Minster

Clergy at York Minster have launched a new initiative to use the Paschal Candle as a focus for prayer for all those directly, or indirectly affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. Following an announcement by the House of Bishops last week, clergy can now re-enter churches and cathedrals to pray. Clergy will pray inside the cathedral every day and the Paschal Candle has been set up as a symbol of hope and prayer in the Minster’s Lady Chapel.

Understandably, many people are struggling with the pain of bereavement during the Covid-19 pandemic. So York Minster will make it possible for families and friends to email a request for their loved one, or for someone for whom they are concerned, to be remembered in a prayer that will be said at the Paschal Candle.

Because of the national lockdown, it was not possible to hold the customary Easter services in the Minster this year.  The Paschal Candle, symbolising the life and light of the Risen Christ bursting forth from the empty tomb before dawn on the first Easter Day, would have been lit from a newly-kindled fire, and would have continued burning throughout the Easter season until the Feast of Pentecost, 50 days later. The Minster clergy, along with members of the wider Minster Community, have continued to pray and hold services online during this time. With the House of Bishops’ recent announcement that clergy can re-enter churches and cathedrals to pray, it is a matter of great rejoicing that the Paschal Candle will be lit and used in the Minster during the Easter season, and prayers requested by families and friends for their loved ones and others will be said.  Relatives will receive an email to confirm the prayer and a photograph of the lit Paschal Candle.

Canon Maggie McLean, Canon Missioner at York Minster said that whilst the Covid-19 lockdown measures are necessary to keep everyone safe, they have been particularly tough for the family and friends of those who have died in recent weeks.  Maggie said:

“The death of a loved one is one of life’s most difficult moments. For many, the chance to visit a church or cathedral to offer a prayer in their memory or to attend their funeral are hugely important rites of passage, deeply emotional acts of respect and love that give comfort and solace and which are important for the grieving process.

“With places of worship having been closed, these simple, human rituals have become all but impossible, amplifying the heartbreak and trauma of the bereavement. While it is still not possible to offer the full services of the Church to those who are grieving, this is an important step in the direction of what many are looking and hoping for. The offering of prayer in this way, will be a reminder that they are not alone but are embraced in the love and care of God and the human family.”

The email address to request a prayer and a candle to be lit for those who have recently died is prayer@yorkminster.org.   All emails will receive a response within 48 hours.

Notes

On 5 May 2020, the House of Bishops announced their agreement to a phased return to church buildings. The initial immediate phase will allow very limited access to church buildings for activities such as streaming of services or private prayer by clergy in their own parishes so long as the necessary hygiene and social distancing precautions are taken.  In cathedrals and larger churches there may be scope for multiple clergy to offer prayer on different days.

York Minster’s virtual service to mark VE Day 75

Army Chaplains join York Minster’s virtual service to mark VE Day 75

Army Chaplains have joined York Minster’s Canon Precentor to make a special virtual service commemorating the 75^th Anniversary of VE Day and the ending of the Second World War.

The service is led by Canon Victoria Johnson, Canon Precentor, York Minster with guest contributors, the Revd Richard Hall, Chaplain to the 2^nd Signal Regiment, York and the Revd David Barrett, Assistant Chaplain General, 1^st United Kingdom Division, with music from the York Minster Choir.

Commenting on the virtual service, Canon Victoria said:  “Lockdown will make it impossible for communities to come together to mark VE Day 75 – an important milestone in our country’s history.  We hope that this virtual service will provide people with a spiritual space to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the wartime generation and, at this particular time, to reflect on the courage, professionalism and commitment of everyone working to keep us safe from Covid-19.”

The contributors recorded their audio segments in lockdown using mobile phones.  These were then edited and uploaded to the York Minster website and shared via the Minster’s social media channels.

The Revd Richard Hall, Chaplain to the 2^nd Signal Regiment based in York, offers a short reflection in the service. Richard joined the army as a chaplain in 2001.  He has lived in quarters in London, Cyprus, Northern Ireland, South Wales and Ripon. He has undertaken operational tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and most recently, with the United Nations in South Sudan.  Richard has been Chaplain to 2nd Signal Regiment since September 2019.

The prayers are led by the Revd David Barrett, Assistant Chaplain General, 1^st United Kingdom Division. David joined the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department in 1999.  David joined the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department in 1999. He served as a regimental chaplain in both the United Kingdom and Germany, before becoming a Brigade Senior Chaplain, firstly in Shrewsbury and then in Bergen-Hohne Germany. During this period he deployed operationally to the Balkans, Iraq and twice to Afghanistan. In 2014 he became Chief Instructor at the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre at Amport House and this was followed by a move to become Senior Chaplain 16 (Air Assault) Brigade, based in Colchester.  In May 2018 he took up a chaplaincy role in Army Headquarters in Andover.  David was appointed Assistant Chaplain General, 1st (United Kingdom Division) based in York in January 2019.

York Minster’s virtual service for VE Day will be available from Friday 8 May HERE

New digital stained glass resource launched

New digital resource allows unique access to York Minster’s
medieval stained glass windows

Virtual visitors can now explore the hidden stories of York Minster’s Great East Window, the country’s largest single expanse of medieval stained glass, through a new online resource.

The new Stained Glass Navigator site features high-resolution photos of all 311 panels from the recently restored medieval masterpiece, allowing people to explore the whole window online for the first time and view the detail of its intricately painted 600-year old glass.

The resource has been created by York Glaziers Trust, Britain’s oldest and largest specialist stained glass conservation studio, with support from the Chapter of York and the York Minster Fund.

It uses photos taken during the ten year project to restore and conserve the window, which was completed in 2018, presented together with new views of the St Cuthbert Window, which will be the subject of the cathedral’s next major stained glass conservation project, due to start in 2021.

“The new navigator tool offers visitors a unique insight into the details of the two windows’ stained glass and their stories, creating views which would be physically impossible for people to see even if they were standing inside the cathedral,” explains Sarah Brown, Director of York Glaziers Trust.

“The photography has been taken by conservators during our work to care for the Minster’s treasure trove of stained glass, allowing us to share with the public the amazing artwork and stories in a completely new way.”

Visitors to the site can navigate through all the stained glass panels in the two windows and read explanations of the stories they tell.

“The biggest technical challenge was how to display an enormous photograph without users having to wait for it to download,” explains Sarah.

“The photograph is split into tiles at various resolutions that are loaded as the user moves around and zooms in to the image of the window. This means the window displays quickly initially, and high-resolution tiles are only loaded when needed.”

The Great East Window was created between 1405 and 1408 by a team of artists and craftsmen led by master-glazier and glass-painter John Thornton, and depicts the beginning and end of all things from the first book of the bible, the book of Genesis, to the last, the book of Revelation.

It was revealed in May 2018 after a decade long conservation and restoration project, one of the largest of its kind in Europe, which included repairing and replacing nearly 2,500 stones in the cathedral’s East End, which houses the window.

The project included installing state-of-the-art environmental protective glazing, incorporating newly developed UV resistant glass, to provide a barrier between the 600-year old glass and the environment. It was the first time the material had been used in the UK and the largest worldwide use to date.

The development of the new technique for protecting the glass helped shape plans to protect the cathedral’s other windows, which hold the largest in-situ collection of medieval stained glass in the country.

In 2017 a 20-year partnership project was announced by the Chapter of York, the York Glaziers Trust and the York Minster Fund, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to extend protective glazing to all 128 of the Minster’s mostly medieval windows.

Currently, around 50% of the windows have no protection, leaving their delicate surfaces exposed to the elements and subject to corrosion and decay, meaning the irreplaceable glass could be lost for future generations.

The St Cuthbert Window will be the next major window in the cathedral to benefit from the scheme, with work to repair and restore its glass due to start in 2021.

The window dates from c.1440 and is one of the largest surviving narrative windows in Europe, telling the story of the life and miracles of one of Northern England’s most significant saints.

The project will take around three years to complete, with the window’s existing external quarry glazing, which was installed in the 1930s, being replaced by the new state-of-the art protective glazing before the repaired and restored stained glass is returned.

The new website currently focuses on the Great East and St Cuthbert Windows, but it is hoped images from more windows in the Minster’s collection will be added over time.

Visit the new stained glass navigator site here.

York Minster plans Memorial Service for those bereaved by COVID-19

York Minster plans Memorial Service to comfort those bereaved by the Covid-19 pandemic

A special memorial service to comfort relatives and friends bereaved during the Covid-19 pandemic will take place at York Minster later in the year.

The impact of the virus, and the national lockdown that has been in place to support the NHS and essential services during the emergency, has made it virtually impossible for relatives and friends to comfort and support their loved ones in their final hours and social distancing measures have resulted in restrictions for funerals and cremations.

The Revd Michael Smith, Canon Pastor at York Minster said that the circumstances have left many people feeling desolate and heartbroken.  He said:

“One of the most painful aspects of the current ‘lockdown’ is that many people have been unable to sit by the side of loved ones as they died or to attend their funerals. When regulations are lifted there will be a Memorial Service at York Minster to enable those bereaved during the pandemic to grieve and to give thanks for loved ones who have died.

“The proposed York Minster Memorial Service will complement local, personal church services held across the Diocese of York for families wishing to commemorate a loved one who they were unable to visit at the end of their life and whose funeral they were unable to attend.

“We will announce the date for this service as soon as we can but we wanted people to know that in addition to what local ministers and churches will be doing for individual families, there will be an opportunity for anyone to come to a service at York Minster to grieve and give thanks for loved ones who have died, and to light a candle in their memory.

“We hope that in this way we will be able to walk alongside all who have been bereaved during the pandemic, and, by sharing the good news of God’s love, to bring some comfort and healing to all those who have been unable to grieve properly because of the present situation.”

ENDS

For media enquiries contact:

Sharon Atkinson – Director of Communications – t: 01904 557248 m: 07785 615457
sharona@yorkminster.org

Leanne Woodhurst – Marketing and Communications Manager – t: 01904 559534 m: 07824 017585
leannew@yorkminster.org

Tom Outing – Marketing and Communications Officer – t: 01904 557249 m: 07469 084143
tom.outing@yorkminster.org

Welcome to York Minster’s digital worship for Holy Week and Easter

-Published 3 April 2020-

Worship and prayers for Holy Week and Easter at York Minster will be entirely digital for the first time this year – a landmark in the Minster’s 800 year history.

Having closed to the public on 17 March in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Minster’s Dean and clergy have since been releasing daily reflections and prayers online, via the cathedral’s website and social media channels.

Next week, a new series of audio services will be released to mark some of the most important days in the Christian calendar – Palm Sunday (5 April), Maundy Thursday (9 April), Good Friday (10 April), Easter Eve (11 April) and Easter Day (12 April).

The mini-services, lasting around 15-20 minutes, will include readings, prayers and music recorded by the York Minster Choir both in late March and on earlier CDs, and a special video message from the Dean of York, Dr Jonathan Frost, for Easter Day.

The Dean of York, the Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost said: “Confined to our homes as we seek to stay safe, it is to box-sets or drama series to which many of us will turn. A good story can draw us in, reframe our perspective and open up new horizons.
“The true story of the last days of Jesus of Nazareth can do the same. Once again, we are invited to enter into the story of Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter. It’s all there, inviting us in: love and betrayal; politics and broken dreams; a vision to live and to die for.
“May you find hope in the reflections, meditations stories and music offered for Holy Week and Easter via the York Minster website. It is my prayer that you find confidence, fresh perspective and, most of all, your unique place within the story, and heart, of Jesus.”
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, 5 April, and concludes with Easter Day on Sunday 12 April.

The York Minster resources will complement wider activity by the Archbishop of York and the Church of England.

The Church of England will broadcast national services for Palm Sunday and Easter Day via its Facebook page.

On Palm Sunday the bishops of Hull, Selby and Whitby will again be offering short prayers at 12noon, 4pm and 8pm, via the Diocese of York’s social media channels.

On Maundy Thursday (9 April) at 11am, the Archbishop of York and Bishops of the Diocese of York, will offer a short online service including renewal of vows for lay ministers, deacons and priests, and a renewal of commitment and baptismal vows for all the faithful. All are welcome to join via Facebook, Twitter or Vimeo. Recordings of these services will be available for people to catch up later if they miss the service.

In addition to the programme for Holy Week and Easter, a range of resources including prayers are available for daily use from both the York Minster and Church of England websites.

For full details about York Minster’s digital programme for Holy Week and Easter Day, visit our WHAT’S ON page.

York Minster closes due to the coronavirus

Update: Monday 1 June 2020

Dean’s Park, the popular green space which runs along the north side of York Minster, has reopened. The park will be open daily from 10am to 6pm. People using the area are asked to respect Government advice and social distancing guidance by remaining at least 2m apart from others outside of their group at all times to ensure the park remains open for all.

The cathedral and its wider precinct currently remain closed to the public while its governing body, the Chapter of York, plans how to safely reopen for worship and sightseeing, in line with advice from Government and Public Health England.

Statement – 17 March 2020 (with updates on the 20 & 23 March)

The Chapter of York, the governing body of York Minster, today announced that the Minster will be closed until further notice.  The decision, which will be reviewed on a regular basis, follows yesterday’s update from the UK Government on the national response to the coronavirus and today’s statement by the Archbishops of York and Canterbury.

The decision covers the many events, concerts and programmes that are part of the life of the Minster. The closure also applies to the Old Palace Museum, Library and Archives in Dean’s Park.  and to Dean’s Park itself. Following government advice, the Minster School has also now closed.  All decisions will remain under review on a daily basis.

Since 627AD, through all the many changes and challenges facing the city of York and the communities of the North, the Minster Community has kept a rhythm of prayer and openness to God alive.  Even though the Minster will be closed to the public, the Minster clergy will still maintain a pattern of daily prayer, praying for the needs of the nation and our world at this time.

Prayer has been offered in this place for many centuries and it will continue.  We will consider the ways in which we can serve and support our community, our city and the North of England.  The Archbishops have called all of us to pray this Sunday (Mothering Sunday), particularly remembering those who are sick or anxious and all those involved in health and the emergency services.  In the coming days, the Minster will seek ways in which we can reach out to people through prayer, social media and through serving the community. Regular updates will be published on the website.

Commenting on the decision, The Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, Dean of York said:

“We find ourselves in unprecedented times.  But the same disciplines of prayer and mutual care that have been life giving in the past will now serve us well in the future.  I’m well aware that in the communities of York and across the North, there are plans developing for mutual aid and for taking care of our neighbours, particularly the most vulnerable and needy.

“For example, only this morning I heard of one community scheme that has emerged which will support self-isolating elderly people in gathering their shopping.  In another example, people are caring for work colleagues unable to come into their usual place of work through regular telephone contact and keeping in touch.  In a crisis we discover what matters most.

“At the heart of this is the care and compassion that we show to one another by keeping in touch and keeping aware.  I would also encourage those affected by the current situation to keep in touch and to be aware of God through prayer. Whatever matters to us, matters to God.  We can always bring our concerns and fears just as they are to the God who loves us and who will never fail or forsake us.  Be assured that the Minster Community is praying for all our neighbours at this time and is ready to support and care in any practical way possible.”

LISTEN:
Jonathan Frost (Dean) talks to BBC Radio York (18/03/2020). Audio kindly supplied by BBC Radio York