Sentamu new Archbishop of York
The Rt Revd Dr John Sentamu, currently Bishop of Birmingham, has been appointed as the new Archbishop of York.
Bishop Sentamu, 56, was born and educated in Uganda before emigrating to the UK in 1974. He then studied theology at Cambridge University before being ordained.
Whilst practicing as a barrister in Uganda he was an outspoken critic of Idi Amin’s regime.
Bishop Sentamu was the UK’s first black bishop. A high profile figure, he advised the Stephen Lawrence inquiry and chaired the Damilola Taylor review.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, said he was “absolutely delighted” at the appointment.
Dr Williams added: “He is someone who has always combined a passion for sharing the gospel with a keen sense of the problems and challenges of our society, particularly where racism is concerned.
“His ministry in London and Birmingham has been praised by Christians of all backgrounds. He is a caring pastor and an exciting communicator. I look forward with great enthusiasm to working with him”
Bishop Sentamu said: “I am looking forward to working with the Archbishop of Canterbury and other bishops to lead the Church of England in its mission to the nation. It is imperative that the Church regains her vision and confidence in mission, developing ways that will enable the Church of England to reconnect imaginatively with England.
“It is important that the Church of England’s voice is heard locally, nationally and internationally, standing up for justice, bringing Good News to the poor, healing to the broken-hearted, setting at liberty those who are oppressed, and proclaiming the death of Christ and his resurrection until he comes again.”
