THE Archbishop of York has been awarded an honorary degree by Northumbria University in recognition of his inspirational leadership and contribution to the nation.
The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu joined graduates from school of health, community and education studies at an academic congregation ceremony at Newcastle City Hall.
He is the second most senior cleric in the Church of England after the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Born in Kampala, Uganda, he graduated from Makere University, Kampala, in 1971. He practised law at the bar and the bench in the High Court of Uganda before seeking sanctuary in Britain in 1974, due to persecution under Idi Amin’s regime.
Professor Kel Fidler, vicechancellor of Northumbria University, said: “Dr Sentamu is an inspirational leader and we are delighted to be awarding him the honorary doctorate of civil law for his significant contribution to the social, cultural and spiritual life of our nation.”
Dr Sentamu who studied for his masters degree and doctorate in theology at Selwyn College, Cambridge, was ordained in 1979.
He served as assistant chaplain at Selwyn College, before working as a parish priest in London.
He was appointed Bishop of Stepney in 1996, Bishop of Birmingham in 2002, and Archbishop of York in 2005.
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