Archbishop of Canterbury pays tribute to the Archbishop of York

13/02/2020

The Archbishop of Canterbury has paid tribute to the Archbishop of York in General Synod earlier today at what would have been his final Synod.

Archbishop of York - John Sentamu

Archbishop Justin Welby praised the Archbishop of York who is currently travelling in the Pacific.  He said: “He (John Sentamu) has gone to visit parts of the world which are suffering the effects of climate change right now. He has gone typically to respond to an invitation for him to go and preach and be alongside those who are suffering: a pattern of his life throughout his ministry.”

The Archbishop continued: “Speaking about Sentamu when he’s not here is both dangerous but also deeply liberating for it means we can show our gratitude, thanks and love for him without him being able to stop us.”

Recalling the Archbishop of York’s work on the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, Archbishop Justin added that “he has said that he himself was stopped at least eight times by the police”. The Archbishop of Canterbury continued: “To honour his memory, his lifelong, bitter cruel and wicked experience of institutional racism which has existed and does exist within the Church of England we must be dedicated to actions not just words.” 

Reflecting on the Archbishop of York’s impact nationally, the Archbishop of Canterbury said: “The Church of England will miss you Sentamu and the wider country will miss you. There aren’t a lot of bishops who are so well known outside the church.” 

Summing up the Archbishop of Canterbury concluded: “Thank you for being obedient to your call and to the voice of the Lord calling you to speak out and to speak up.  Thank you for being you.  Thank you to you and to Margaret for your example of love and service, dedication and sacrifice in so very many ways.” He closed by saying:  “Let us try to show not only in our appreciation but also in our actions, that we will let his prophetic ministry bear its full fruit in our church.”