The former Archbishop of York will be the next Chair of the international development agency Christian Aid.
Rt Revd & Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, who was the Archbishop of York from 2005-2020 has spoken about poverty and justice for many years.
Born in Kampala, Uganda, Dr Sentamu will be the first person of African descent to take up the position of Chair in Christian Aid’s 75-year history.
Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury and the current Chair, will stand down in November.
Christian Aid’s CEO Amanda Khozi Mukwashi said it was wonderful news for Christian Aid: “Dr Sentamu brings with him a passion and energy for global justice, a deep love of the Church and a profound theological understanding that will be able to speak into the crises of climate change, Covid, conflict and debt that are affecting the world’s poorest communities. We look forward to welcoming him to the Christian Aid family.
“I want to express my immense gratitude to Dr Williams for his friendship and leadership. He has been an incredible Chair, bringing his inimitable wisdom, grace and prophetic voice to support Christian Aid’s work and the communities we serve. We will miss him.”
Commenting on the appointment, Dr Rowan Williams said: “I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Dr Sentamu at this pivotal time in the organisation’s history and convinced there are few people who will be able to lead and speak out with the moral voice that is needed for such a time as this. I will continue to support both him and the organisation in the ongoing fight to end global poverty.”
Dr John Sentamu, who is also a member of the House of Lords, said his appointment was “a great surprise and a delight.”
“My first involvement with Christian Aid was in 1980, during Christian Aid Week, when, as an Assistant Curate at St Andrew, Ham Common, and Prison Chaplain at Latchmere House Remand Centre, I knocked on doors and left Christian Aid envelopes. The staggering response from the long street where I lived, as well as the prison officers, convinced me that the appeal for ‘Life Before Death’ spoke to the generous hearts of my neighbours.
“In 2004 I visited Herat Province, in Western Afghanistan, to see and encourage Christian Aid workers there. They blew my mind and I rejoiced greatly to discover that they had favour with all the people; and that Christian Aid workers had remained there for well over 25 years!
“To chair the Christian Aid Board, which is deeply committed to eradicating injustice, disadvantage, increasing mutual accountability and its prophetic voice in addressing issues of poverty and power, is a great honour and challenge for me. Please pray for me.”
Dr Sentamu will formally be welcomed by Christian Aid’s church representatives in November 2021.
SOURCE: PREMIER CHRISTIAN NEWS