Outgoing Archbishop of York to broadcast special service reflecting on his life

The broadcast, across the BBC local radio network this Sunday, will mark the final weeks of Dr John Sentamu's 15-year tenure as the second most important figure in the Church of England.

Dr Sentamu is due to retire and will be succeeded by Stephen Cottrell, the current Bishop of Chelmsford, who will be confirmed in a virtual service next month.

The archbishop's daughter, the Rev Grace Sentamu-Baverstock, will lead the service, which will also feature his wife, the Rev Margaret Sentamu.

Speaking ahead of the service, Dr Sentamu said: "It has been a great joy and privilege to serve as Archbishop of York these past 15 years. Not only did I get to live in God's own county, but I have been able to be a voice for the North, championing the cause of those who live here.

"Now it is time to open a new chapter in my life and I welcome the opportunity during these strange times to share some reflections, readings, songs and prayers with listeners of local radio.

"I am assured that Jesus Christ will continue to be my constant companion and guide in whatever is to come and my prayer is that all may come to know him as their personal friend and saviour. Every blessing."

Opening the service, Ms Sentamu-Baverstock said that it is "a day for looking back with thanksgiving and blessing, but also looking forward with hope".

The BBC's Ashley Peatfield said: "We are pleased to be marking the retirement of a hugely important figure in the Anglican Church. Archbishop John Sentamu has been a cornerstone of the church for 15 years and has become a household name to millions."

The service, produced by BBC Radio York, can be heard on all BBC local radio stations from 8am on Sunday.

-------------------------------

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

Almost certainly you are here because you value the quality and the integrity of the journalism produced by The Yorkshire Post’s journalists - almost all of which live alongside you in Yorkshire, spending the wages they earn with Yorkshire businesses - who last year took this title to the industry watchdog’s Most Trusted Newspaper in Britain accolade.

And that is why I must make an urgent request of you: as advertising revenue declines, your support becomes evermore crucial to the maintenance of the journalistic standards expected of The Yorkshire Post. If you can, safely, please buy a paper or take up a subscription. We want to continue to make you proud of Yorkshire’s National Newspaper but we are going to need your help.

Postal subscription copies can be ordered by calling 0330 4030066 or by emailing [email protected]. Vouchers, to be exchanged at retail sales outlets - our newsagents need you, too - can be subscribed to by contacting subscriptions on 0330 1235950 or by visiting www.localsubsplus.co.uk where you should select The Yorkshire Post from the list of titles available.

If you want to help right now, download our tablet app from the App / Play Stores. Every contribution you make helps to provide this county with the best regional journalism in the country.

Sincerely. Thank you.

James Mitchinson

Editor