Archbishop John Sentamu

John Sentamu, born in Uganda, has become the 97th archbishop of York - the second 'highest' position in the Church of England. I have a wonderful quote from the sermon preached by Sentamu (from the CofE site):

“But why have we in England turned this glorious Gospel of life in the Spirit into a cumbersome organisation that repels, and whose people are dull and complacent?” - words of Michael Ramsey, 1960.

And I would urge people who are judgemental and moralizing – as followers of the Prince of Peace, the friend of the poor, the marginalised, the vulnerable - I bid you, by the mercies of God, to go and find friends among them, among the young, among older people, and those in society who are demonised and dehumanised; and stand shoulder to shoulder with them.

Christians, go and find friends who are Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, agnostics, atheists – not for the purpose of converting them to your beliefs, but for friendship, understanding, listening, hearing.

I like this archbishop already.

Cheers,
Kev