Church Army welcomes Bishop Sentamu as new Archbishop of York

Philip Johanson, Church Army’s Chief Secretary comments: “ The announcement by Downing Street today of the appointment of the Rt Revd Dr John Sentamu as the next Archbishop of York, will, I know, be welcomed throughout the church.It is an imaginative and exciting appointment at this time in the life of the church. To have a Ugandan with all the experience this brings in the second most senior appointment in the Church of England is very significant when the majority of growth within the Anglican Communion is on the African continent. He is an outstanding leader and teacher committed to scripture and an orthodox position on matters of faith.

"Bishop Sentamu brings to his new responsibilities first hand grass root experience of mission and evangelism. He is passionate about communicating the gospel in relevant and sensitive ways and longs to see people come into a living relationship with Jesus Christ. I look forward to the lead he will give the Church of England in evangelism. I have known Bishop John for many years and admire his forthrightness on a number of issues- something I know that will be very much appreciated by the people of York.

"We in Church Army join with many others in welcoming the appointment and praying for Bishop John as he prepares to take up his new responsibilities. We pray also for Margaret, his wife, and their family as they too prepare for great change and for the Diocese of York as they prepare to welcome their new Archbishop.”

For more information on the appointment of the new Archbishop of York see the Church of England website