"It is important that the Church of England’s voice is heard locally, nationally and internationally, standing up for justice, bringing Good News to the poor, healing to the broken-hearted, setting at liberty those who are oppressed, and proclaiming the death of Christ and his resurrection until he comes again. What an exciting prospect."
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, who will be working closely with Bishop Sentamu, said he is absolutely delighted to welcome the appointment of Bishop John Sentamu as Archbishop of York.
Archbishop Williams commented, "He is someone who has always combined a passion for sharing the gospel with a keen sense of the problems and challenges of our society, particularly where racism is concerned. His ministry in London and Birmingham has been praised by Christians of all backgrounds. He is a caring pastor and an exciting communicator. I look forward with great enthusiasm to working with him."
On behalf of the Diocese of York, the Bishop of Hull, the Rt Revd Richard Frith, said, "This is an exciting moment for the Diocese of York. The Bishop of Birmingham is known as a man of energy and passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ - a thinker, campaigner and teacher - but above all a man of prayer and someone who lights up the Word of God for the world around him."
"His wide experience of life and the Church from Africa to Birmingham has shown him to be adaptable and versatile, and ready to engage with people of all backgrounds and ways of life. He challenges boundaries and fixed ideas about the world, the Church and the Christian Gospel - and he's great fun too."
Bishop Sentamu is married to Margaret, a Senior Selection Secretary in the Ministry Division of the Archbishops’ Council, and they have two grown-up children, Grace and Geoffrey. Bishop Sentamu’s interests include music, cooking, reading, athletics, rugby and football.
Bishop Sentamu succeeds the Most Reverend David Hope, who resigned in February to take up a post as a parish priest in Ilkley, West Yorkshire.
