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Archbishop John Sentamu: Racism, forgiveness, and the future

Roy Jenkins talks to Dr John Sentamu, who preached his final sermon as Archbishop last Sunday. They discuss his life, racism, forgiveness, and the future.

Dr John Sentamu preached his final sermon as Archbishop of York last Sunday. For 15 years, he’s been among the best recognised, most loved figures in the Church of England. He’s also a man who knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of vicious racism.

As the public killing of George Floyd at police hands in Minnesota continues to spark fury and protest around the world, and trains a fresh spotlight on racism much nearer home, All Things Considered revists a conversation between Roy Jenkins and the Archbishop recorded last November, just ahead of his visit to the Hay winter festival, where he was talking about his new book, Wake Up to Advent!

Born in Uganda when it was a British protectorate, the 6th of 13 children, John Sentamu became a lawyer and a High Court judge by the age of 24. He had to flee the country with his bride of three weeks when he was targeted by the notorious president Idi Amin.

He got to Britain, studied at Cambridge, prepared for the priesthood, became a bishop in London and then Birmingham, before becoming Archbishop of York in 2005. Passionate both about sharing his faith and about social justice, he’s known for straight talking and imaginative ventures in mission.

Roy Jenkins talks to Archbishop Sentamu about his life in Uganda and the UK, the importance of forgiveness in response to racism, and his hopes for the future.

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28 minutes

Last on

Tue 16 Jun 2020 05:30

Broadcasts

  • Sun 14 Jun 2020 09:00
  • Tue 16 Jun 2020 05:30

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