Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, to visit Retford

The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, will be telling “the Sentamu Story” at St Swithun’s Parish Church in Retford on Thursday 12th September 2019. This is his first public engagement as part of the One Life Mission to the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham.

All are welcome to attend, the evening will be informal, and there will be an opportunity for questions from the public. The event will be announced by a quarter peal of bells from about 6.15pm, and from 7pm to 7.20pm tea and coffee will be served inside the church. The event will start at 7.30pm with a welcome from the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, followed by the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, telling his story. There will then be a question-and-answer session followed by light refreshments in the church.
This is a great opportunity for everyone, not only churchgoers, to come and hear one of the most popular speakers of today. Most people have heard of John Sentamu, whether from playing drums, cutting up his dog collar on TV, or sky-diving with the Red Devils parachute team. Sentamu has spoken out on issues including young people, the family, slavery, injustice and conflict abroad.

John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu was born into Uganda’s Buffalo clan on the 10th June 1949. Encouraged in his education by English missionaries and teachers, he graduated in law from Makerere University, Kampala and is an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda. He practised Law both at the Bar and at the Bench before he came to the UK in 1974.

He read theology at Selwyn College Cambridge where he gained a Masters Degree and a Doctorate. He trained for ordination at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. Dr John Sentamu was installed as the 97th Archbishop of York in November 2005 and has announced his retirement for June 2020, so for many people, this may be the last opportunity to see him in his current role.