Week Ahead: Dr John Sentamu to preach in virtual service on last day in office as Archbishop of York

Coronavirus

Since the lockdown began, schools have only remained open to vulnerable children and those of key workers. From today, that is to begin to change.

Some schools will start to open more widely, with children in reception, year one and year six set to go back first.

Addressing the nation last Thursday, Boris Johnson said that closing schools had “deprived children of their education”.

“As so often, it is the most disadvantaged pupils who risk being hardest hit,” he said.

But some local authorities, teaching unions and parents have expressed concerns about more staff and children returning to schools.

Sheffield City Council, for example, last week advised schools in the city not to open to more pupils, citing fears that the NHS Test and Trace system would not yet be “robust enough” and advising a delay in increasing numbers until June 15 instead.

Other changes coming into play today include car showrooms and outdoor markets being permitted to re-open.

And people in England will also be able to gather outdoors in socially-distanced groups of up to six, both in public parks and private gardens.

Parliament

A series of parliamentary committee meetings due to be held this week are to continue to look both at the impact of the coronavirus and also at the management of the outbreak.

Inquiries will be taking evidence on the effect the virus has had on business and workers, the prison, probation and court systems, international trade and on education and children’s services.

Former chancellors George Osborne, Lord Darling and Philip Hammond will also give evidence on the economic impact of coronavirus.

The Home Affairs Committee has a virtual meeting scheduled on Wednesday to continue its examination of the Home Office’s preparations for and response to Covid-19 and on the same day, the Health and Social Care Committee will be continuing its consideration of the management of the coronavirus by the Government and its agencies.

Other committee business worth keeping an eye on is an evidence session in the inquiry into the security of 5G, which is set to be held on Tuesday.

Archbishop

The Archbishop of York is due to preach as part of a national online service broadcast by the Church of England on Sunday morning. The service will be given on the last day of his role in office as Archbishop.

Dr John Sentamu said he was pleased to be involved in the online service, adding: “Like many of us, I too, am missing being able to worship alongside others.”

Dr Sentamu confirmed back in 2018 that he would retire from his position after nearly 15 years this June. In that time, the Ugandan-born cleric has spread the Church’s message of hope to his 75,000 Twitter followers.

He’s not been afraid to make great gestures and in December 2007, he tore up his dog collar on national television in protest at Robert Mugabe’s inhumanity in Zimbabwe and refused to wear it again until the dictator had been deposed.

Before being appointed as the 97th Archbishop of York in November 2005, he had been Bishop of Stepney and Bishop for Birmingham.

He will officially retire on Sunday, three days prior to his 71st birthday.

The Church of England online service will be available to watch live or on replay via the Church’s website or Facebook page.

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