Home 
York Articles Historic service for new Archbishop
York Articles Historic service for new Archbishop Great York Businesses
DriverskillsYorkshire Classic Car Hire
NRS Glass Construction
Pro Fire Systems
UK Chip Tuning
Historic service for new Archbishop |
| Written by Jonathan Malory | |
|
Yorkshire Post Today Paul Jeeves It is thought to be the first occasion in modern times that an Archbishop of Canterbury has attended the inauguration of his number two, and it is seen by many leading church officials as a clear sign that they intend to foster a close working relationship. The new Archbishop has campaigned to end white middle-class domination of the Church of England and has been outspoken on many issues, including gun crime, during his time as Bishop of Birmingham. His appointment is considered as an attempt by the Church of England to move into the 21st century and embrace the nation's increasing multi-culturalism. Ugandan-born Dr Sentamu last month became the first black Archbishop of York during a service in London, but today will see him begin his official tenure in the York diocese. A Lambeth Palace spokesman said: "Traditionally the inauguration has always been seen as the Archbishop of York's day, and the Archbishop of Canterbury has always respected that. "But the new Archbishop is a good friend of Dr Rowan Williams, and he has requested him to attend the service. We believe it is the first time that this has happened." The Minster has been closed to the public since Sunday evening while preparations are made for today's service. It is understood police dogs were employed for several hours last night while a security sweep was made of the building. Dr Sentamu has been instrumental in drawing up plans for the ceremony which will see a departure from the traditions normally associated with an inauguration service. The Yorkshire Post revealed last month that Dr Sentamu had decided to bring a taste of his homeland to his enthronement as the 97th Archbishop of York with a display of African drumming. He will make his way from his official residence of Bishopthorpe Palace by boat with five African drummers on board along the River Ouse before he is met at Marygate landing by the Lord Mayor of York councillor Janet Greenwood, and other dignitaries. A procession will then head through the city before entering the West Door of the Minster for the inauguration. During the service, which will be broadcast live on BBC2, Dr Sentamu will wash the feet of three children from the York Diocese , mirroring the actions of Jesus who washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper. Afterwards, Dr Sentamu will mingle with the 3,500-strong congregation who will each be provided with a packed lunch from Marks & Spencer. He asked for the simple lunch of a vegetable wrap, a piece of fruit and a carton of soft drink to be handed out so that he will have the opportunity to meet as many people as possible after the service. Hymns which will be sung during the ceremony will include the African traditional song, Siya hamb' ekukhanyen' kwenkhos (We are Marching in the Light of God). The Diocese of York's communications director Martin Sheppard said: "There is a great sense of expectation and everyone is hoping the inauguration will be a great celebration to mark the start of the Archbishop's ministry. "There has been an awful lot of work which has been put into the preparations, and we thank God for the gifts he is bringing to us. The Minster is expected to remain closed to the public until late afternoon tomorrow while scaffolding for the television broadcast is dismantled. Archbishop Sentamu, forced to flee his homeland in 1974 after criticising former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, succeeds Dr David Hope who resigned last year after 10 years in the post and is now parish priest at St Margaret's Church, Ilkley. |