Sentamu celebrates 170th anniversary of Barbados church

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, has taken part in a church's 170th anniversary celebrations during his visit to Barbados.

The celebration saw the Archbishop participate in the laying of a plaque and the planting of a royal palm at the St Thomas Parish Church in Barbados.

The second-most senior member of the Church of England was joined by Bishop Dr John Holder, rector Canon George Knight and a number of other members of the clergy to help commemorate the historic event for the church.

For the 170th anniversary, the church rededicated itself back to God, inscribing 'To The Glory of God' on a plaque created from a specially chosen stone.

Retired Bishop Wilfred Wood said before the service, "Men and women of every nationality, of every ethnic group, should be brought into his kingdom of love, justice, peace and true brotherhood.

"We thank God for this privilege of being allowed to touch this hem of the garment of history."

Archbishop Sentamu also offered words of advice and comfort to those attending the celebration, saying that God was already at work, and all that was needed was for them all to join in.

He declared that mission was not about activism but about how to be attentive to God and also to listen to the needs of the world.

Dr Sentamu encouraged them to be cheerful givers. He said, "Worship has to do with what we give. Those following Jesus have deep pockets and short arms."