Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu to retire

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, announced today that he will be retiring in 2020.

Born John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu in Kampala, Ugunda in 1949. Dr Sentamu made history by becoming the UK’s first black Archbishop. He was enthroned at York Minster in November 2005 in a ceremony that broke with tradition and included drums and dancers.

His exact retirement date is set for 7th June 2020, just days before his 71st birthday.

Dr Sentamu said: "I am deeply grateful to Her Majesty The Queen for graciously allowing me to continue as Archbishop of York until June 2020 in order to enable me to complete the work to which I have been called.

"I am full of joy and expectation to see all that God is doing and will be doing in this diocese and in the Northern Province over the coming months."

As well as his incredible work with the Church, The Archbishop of York has written four books: ‘On Rock Or Sand?’ and his Stories series featuring true, inspirational tales of Faith, Hope and Agape (love). The series was nominated for an Eden award in 2017.