Britain’s first black archbishop inaugurated
-30/11/05
The inauguration ceremony of Br
Britain’s first black archbishop inaugurated
-30/11/05
The inauguration ceremony of Britain’s first black archbishop takes place today at York Minster.
It is the culmination of a series of events, starting with his election by York Minster’s college of canons in July, and his Confirmation of Election in October.
Today’s ceremony however marks the beginning of Dr John Sentamu’s ministry as the 97th Archbishop of York.
Dr Sentamu, who was forced to flee Uganda after criticising former dictator Idi Amin, succeeds Dr David Hope, who resigned after 10 years in the post and is now parish priest at St Margaret’s Church, Ilkley.
It is understood the Ugandan-born Dr Sentamu will bring a taste of his homeland to the service.
He will travel from his official residence of Bishopthorpe Palace along the River Ouse into the city centre before stepping on to dry land and heading to the Minster for the much-anticipated event.
A five-strong team of drummers playing African-style rhythms will be on the riverboat as he arrives in the city.
The ceremony in the historic cathedral will be watched by 3,500 invited guests.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, is expected to attend the ceremony during which Dr Sentamu will wash the feet of three children, mirroring the actions of Jesus with his disciples.
Sentamu has already proved himself to be outspoken on a number of issues. In a newspaper interview he said he would be happy to ordain women bishops if the Church of England changed its rules to allow it. He also condemned the way some members of the Anglican communion had spoken of gay men and lesbians.
Sentamu has recently said that he believes the church must face up to racism and the under-representation of minority ethnic groups in its ranks.
He played a major role in encouraging the churches to speak out against institutional racism in 1999, following the public enquiry in the wake of the death of teenager Stephen Lawrence. He also chaired the Damilola Taylor review.
He also backs the extension of ‘restorative justice’ programmes.
Born and educated in Uganda, where he practised as a barrister and a judge, he came to the UK in 1974 and trained as a priest in Cambridge. After serving in a succession of London parishes, he was appointed Bishop of Stepney in 1996 and Bishop of Birmingham in 2002.
The sixth of 13 brothers and sisters, Dr Sentamu, who is 56, has two grown-up children with wife Margaret.
Also on Ekklesia: Archbishop to quit to become parish priest; Archbishop to become Lord; New Black archbishop receives racist hatemail; Church must face racism says black archbishop; C of E’s first black archbishop takes up post
Britain’s first black archbishop inaugurated
-30/11/05
The inauguration ceremony of Britain’s first black archbishop takes place today at York Minster.
It is the culmination of a series of events, starting with his election by York Minster’s college of canons in July, and his Confirmation of Election in October.
Today’s ceremony however marks the beginning of Dr John Sentamu’s ministry as the 97th Archbishop of York.
Dr Sentamu, who was forced to flee Uganda after criticising former dictator Idi Amin, succeeds Dr David Hope, who resigned after 10 years in the post and is now parish priest at St Margaret’s Church, Ilkley.
It is understood the Ugandan-born Dr Sentamu will bring a taste of his homeland to the service.
He will travel from his official residence of Bishopthorpe Palace along the River Ouse into the city centre before stepping on to dry land and heading to the Minster for the much-anticipated event.
A five-strong team of drummers playing African-style rhythms will be on the riverboat as he arrives in the city.
The ceremony in the historic cathedral will be watched by 3,500 invited guests.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, is expected to attend the ceremony during which Dr Sentamu will wash the feet of three children, mirroring the actions of Jesus with his disciples.
Sentamu has already proved himself to be outspoken on a number of issues. In a newspaper interview he said he would be happy to ordain women bishops if the Church of England changed its rules to allow it. He also condemned the way some members of the Anglican communion had spoken of gay men and lesbians.
Sentamu has recently said that he believes the church must face up to racism and the under-representation of minority ethnic groups in its ranks.
He played a major role in encouraging the churches to speak out against institutional racism in 1999, following the public enquiry in the wake of the death of teenager Stephen Lawrence. He also chaired the Damilola Taylor review.
He also backs the extension of ‘restorative justice’ programmes.
Born and educated in Uganda, where he practised as a barrister and a judge, he came to the UK in 1974 and trained as a priest in Cambridge. After serving in a succession of London parishes, he was appointed Bishop of Stepney in 1996 and Bishop of Birmingham in 2002.
The sixth of 13 brothers and sisters, Dr Sentamu, who is 56, has two grown-up children with wife Margaret.
Also on Ekklesia: Archbishop to quit to become parish priest; Archbishop to become Lord; New Black archbishop receives racist hatemail; Church must face racism says black archbishop; C of E’s first black archbishop takes up post