Amitabh Sharma, Features Coordinator

BISHOP SENTAMU

One of Britain's most influential and colourful church leaders, the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, will visit Jamaica to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

"We are very fortunate that the second most senior Primate of the Communion is a native of Africa," said Jamaica's Lord Bishop, the Rt. Revd. Dr. Alfred Reid. "This will give us an opportunity of linking with our roots."

The Archbishop of York and his wife, Margaret Sentamu, will be the guests of the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands from October 5 to 17.

John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu is the first black man to become the Archbishop of York, the second highest level of leadership in the Church of England. He was born in 1949 in a village near Kampala, Uganda. He started his career as a lawyer and was soon appointed High Court judge in 1973, at the age of 24. He earned the ire of Idi Amin and was imprisoned for 90 days. A year later he fled to the United Kingdom.

Rose through the ranks

He studied theology at Selwyn College, Cambridge, and trained for the priesthood at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. He was ordained a priest in 1979; he rose through the ranks of the church, becoming Archbishop of York in 2005.

Archbishop Sentamu will be conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) by the University of the West Indies, Mona, at a special convocation on October 6.

"It is a symbolic moment," said Bishop Reid. "The church has contributed to the freedom of mind, making contribution to education, and this is a recognition by the highest seat of learning."

BISHOP SENTAMU

On October 7, the Archbishop will be the celebrant and preacher at a celebration of the Eucharist in the National Arena. While here, he will also call on the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

He will meet with Anglican clergy and church workers in Kingston, Mandeville and Montego Bay, and pay a visit to the Cathedral of St. Jago de la Vega in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

The Archbishop of York will participate in a youth gathering at the Indoor Sports Complex on October 10 and attend a farewell ceremony at the Little Theatre on October 11.

amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com