nairiporter | A Ugandan arch-bishop of York

Black archbishop vows to speak out
By Jonathan Petre, Religion Correspondent

Dr John Sentamu promised to speak out on issues of justice yesterday after he was formally confirmed as the new Archbishop of York at a ceremony in a London church.

The Church of England's first black archbishop, an outspoken critic of racism, urged his fellow Christians to spread gospel values through "words and actions".

"Together we can help people of all kinds to respond to God's invitation in Jesus Christ," said the archbishop, who will not begin his new role until after he is enthroned in York Minister on Nov 30.

He incorporated an African theme in the ceremony at St Mary-le-Bow church in Cheapside, in the City of London, which mingled Afro American spirituals with medieval legalisms.

Dr Sentamu's appointment was legally ratified by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and six senior bishops, or "Royal Commissioners", aided by a posse of bewigged lawyers.

Before a congregation including his wife Margaret and their children Grace, 30, and Geoffrey, 25, he was granted the "rights, dignities, honours, privileges and appurtenances" of the post of Lord Archbishop of York, Primate of England and Metropolitan.

He then swore his allegiance to the monarch and promised to uphold the Scriptures, Creeds, Book of Common prayer and the 39 Articles.

The confirmation ceremony, which is used for every diocesan bishop, has its roots in the 12th and 13th centuries and was enshrined in the Appointment of Bishops Act in 1534.

Dr Sentamu, 56, was educated in Uganda, where he worked as a lawyer and was an outspoken critic of Idi Amin's regime.