Sentamu to launch charity commemorating martyr killed by Idi Amin

-16/02/06

Britain’s


Sentamu to launch charity commemorating martyr killed by Idi Amin

-16/02/06

Britain’s first black archbishop is to launch a new charity this weekend, to commemorate a 20th century Christian martyr.

Ugandan Archbishop Janani Luwum was murdered on 17 February 1977 for standing up to dictator Idi Amin.

The Archbishop Janani Luwum Trust will be launched in Westminster Abbey on Saturday, 18 February, in an “African-style” service.

The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, who is President of the new Trust will lead hundreds of worshippers in “a short, exuberant, African-style service” with drums and singing, similar to his own inauguration.

Sentamu was himself forced to flee Uganda after criticising Idi Amin.

Dr Sentamu said, ìArchbishop Luwum was a major influence on my call to the ministry. I am honoured to have a part in this permanent and practical memorial to him.î

Archbishop Sentamu will be joined by Bishop Gideon Oboma from Northern Uganda and by the Revd Dr Jeanette Meadway who is a Trustee of the new charity.

Dr Meadway said, ìA Ugandan Christian told me of the apprehension she felt on the night when Archbishop Janani was killed. Her story helped me to understand the great respect people had for their Archbishop and his example. The Trust will promote his passion for the Christian Gospel and the wellbeing of all people, by supporting poverty relief and promoting education and health in war-torn Northern Uganda.î

Janani Luwum is one of the 20th Century Christian Martyrs commemorated in stone on the West Front of Westminster Abbey.


Sentamu to launch charity commemorating martyr killed by Idi Amin

-16/02/06

Britain’s first black archbishop is to launch a new charity this weekend, to commemorate a 20th century Christian martyr.

Ugandan Archbishop Janani Luwum was murdered on 17 February 1977 for standing up to dictator Idi Amin.

The Archbishop Janani Luwum Trust will be launched in Westminster Abbey on Saturday, 18 February, in an “African-style” service.

The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, who is President of the new Trust will lead hundreds of worshippers in “a short, exuberant, African-style service” with drums and singing, similar to his own inauguration.

Sentamu was himself forced to flee Uganda after criticising Idi Amin.

Dr Sentamu said, ‘Archbishop Luwum was a major influence on my call to the ministry. I am honoured to have a part in this permanent and practical memorial to him.’

Archbishop Sentamu will be joined by Bishop Gideon Oboma from Northern Uganda and by the Revd Dr Jeanette Meadway who is a Trustee of the new charity.

Dr Meadway said, ‘A Ugandan Christian told me of the apprehension she felt on the night when Archbishop Janani was killed. Her story helped me to understand the great respect people had for their Archbishop and his example. The Trust will promote his passion for the Christian Gospel and the wellbeing of all people, by supporting poverty relief and promoting education and health in war-torn Northern Uganda.’

Janani Luwum is one of the 20th Century Christian Martyrs commemorated in stone on the West Front of Westminster Abbey.