Sentamu preaches reconciliation and forgiveness in Bermuda

In a sermon to more than 1,000 people at Arboretum in Devonshire, Dr John Sentamu admitted that reconciliation was not easy but assured that it was the way to “real peace”.

He spoke of a world in which computer games give children “the thrill of violence supposedly without its spills”, and child soldiers are taught to use AK45 guns.

“Arms manufacturers make millions out of this misery,” he said in the open air service.

"If only, Jesus cried over Jerusalem, these people knew the way to real peace. Friends I have an amazing message, the message of forgiveness.

“The message of reconciliation is not an easy one, as they can tell us in South Africa, or Congo, or Northern Ireland, but friends it works.”

Dr Sentamu was in Bermuda for celebrations marking the island nation’s 400th anniversary.

He told the congregation: "Forgiveness of sins is at the heart of the gospel and for God's greatest (gift) within each one of us is forgiveness for past sins, new life in the present and then hope for the future.

“Here in Bermuda as in all parts of the world should we not be praying for a fresh wave of reconciliation?"

During his visit, Dr Sentamu met and spoke with young people and joined a men’s breakfast.

Rev Nick Dill, the priest in charge of the Anglican Parish of Pembroke in Bermuda, said Dr Sentamu’s visit had helped change the way people in the country thought about the Anglican Church and brought a “renewed passion” to the Church there.

"I think we have broken down a few stereotypes. For some they see the Anglican Church as an old, moribund, white establishment, but I think the events of this weekend show we cross over the racial and cultural barriers of the Island."