The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, is facing criticism for suggesting that the word “Father” as used in Christian prayers may be “problematic” due to its patriarchal association.
“I know the word ‘father’ is problematic for those whose experience of earthly fathers has been destructive and abusive and for all of us who have labored rather too much from an oppressively patriarchal grip on life,” Archbishop Cottrell said during the opening address of a meeting of the General Synod on Friday. The General Synod is the ruling body of the Church of England.
