John Sentamu

Conferment on 16 July 2010 of the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, upon

John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu

Presentation address by Professor Kim Knott

Chancellor:

John Sentamu is almost certainly more interested in witnessing 'at the intersection where human need and God's love meet', in serving though prayer and action, and in standing alongside those who are vulnerable than he is in public recognition.  But, with the humility and good spirits for which he is known, he will no doubt bear with us for a moment while we sing his praises.

John Sentamu's personality, humour and plain speaking, but also his deep conviction and faith in communicating the relevance of the Christian Gospel at times of financial crisis, natural disaster and personal tragedy explain his reputation as the people's archbishop.  In his blogs, sermons and articles, he takes every opportunity to speak with energy on topics as wide-ranging as assisted suicide, the importance of voting, St George, the Easter message, poverty and football.

Elected Archbishop of York in 2005, England's first black archbishop fulfilled the hope expressed by Archbishop Michael Ramsey in 1960 that a time would come when the Church of England would be renewed by the faith of African and Asian Christians.  Born in rural Uganda, hailing from the Buffalo Clan and a family of thirteen, John Sentamu was educated by English missionaries before studying law at Makerere University.  Practising at the bar and then as a magistrate in the early 1970s, as a conscientious Christian he sought to uphold the law during the authoritarian regime of Idi Amin.  In order to avoid his possible imprisonment or elimination, the Anglican Church sent him to study theology at Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he obtained an MA and PhD before training for ordination at Ridley Hall.  Periods of higher education and prison chaplaincy, parish curacy and priesthood followed before his appointment as Bishop of Stepney, Bishop of Birmingham, and then Archbishop of York.

In this very public role with its many faces - as diocesan bishop, missionary, writer, member of the House of Lords, clerical colleague or pastoral friend - John Sentamu remains a skilled advocate, accomplished intermediary and powerful communicator.  He unflinchingly engages with controversial and sometimes unpopular issues - including racism, asylum, immigration and relations between Israel and Palestine - but he nevertheless retains a capacity to share and respond to people's ordinary concerns, enthusiasms and fears.  It is for this, and his integrity, that we honour him today.

Chancellor, I present to you John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu for the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.