An ‘Archbishop for the ages’ as Dr John Sentamu’s York reign ends

His historic 15-year reign came to an end last night when he placed his crozier, the symbol of his office, on the high altar at York Minster and then knelt in prayer.

The Covid-19 lockdown meant this last symbolic act had to take place behind closed doors in the Minster where the Ugandan-born churchman, and who survived being tortured by Idi Amin’s regime, was inaugurated in 2005 to the sound of African drums.

Dr Sentamu’s successor will be the Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, the current Bishop of Chelmsford, who will be installed next month. “Few archbishops have had such a national impact. We thank God for his witness and commitment to the gospel,” he tweeted.

Justin Welby, the current Archbishop of Canterbuy, posted: “This weekend we give thanks and praise for Archbishop

@JohnSentamu’s ministry, and pray for him and Margaret as they prepare for retirement.”

And Nick Baines, the current Bishop of Leeds, saluted a man who had worked “hard for a better and more humane world”. “His personality, character and conviction will be missed – although I doubt it is about to disappear from our public life. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude,” he added.

Meanwhile Sheffield City Region mayor Dan Jarvis, who worked with the Archbishop on the One Yorkshire devolution agenda, hailed Dr Sentamu as “an inspiration”.

“On his final day as Archbishop of York, I’d like to thank John Sentamu for his outstanding leadership, service, decency and kindness. He’s been an inspiration to many and an absolute joy to work with,” said Mr Jarvis.

A statement of thanks posted by the City of York Council said: “We are extremely grateful for your dedicated service and everything you have done for the city. It has been a pleasure to call you the Archbishop of York.”

And staff at York Minster simply tweeted: “An Archbishop for the ages. He goes with our prayers, well wishes and thanks.

Its tribute was accompanied by the ‘Onward Christian Soldier’ caricature by The Yorkshire Post’s illustrator Graeme Bandeira which featured in Saturday’s edition.

Meanwhile Dr Sentamu, 70, marked his retirement by taking part in a virtual church service across the BBC local radio network.

Dr Sentamu’s daughter, the Rev Grace Sentamu-Baverstock, led the service on the BBC, which also featured his wife, the Rev Margaret Sentamu.

Opening the service, Ms Sentamu-Baverstock made reference to Covid-19 and the death of George Floyd.

The Archbishop went on to deliver the sermon during the Church of England’s weekly online service before the Minster ceremony.

The Dean of York, the Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, and Head Verger Alex Carberry, were witnesses to this final act as Archbishop.

The Dean of York said: “In the simple and symbolic act of laying down his crozier, Archbishop Sentamu brought his ministry as Archbishop of York to a close. In current circumstances we have been unable to fulfil our hope to gather together for a service.

“However, in households and communities across the Diocese of York, the North and Nation, those whose lives have been graced by Sentamu and Margaret give thanks for their witness to the joy, simplicity and compassion of the good news of Jesus Christ.”

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