THE Archbishop of York is to read in his native tongue of Luganda at a special memorial service for his namesake at Durham Cathedral.

The service marks the centenary of the death of Bishop Alfred Tucker, former Bishop of Uganda and Canon of Durham Cathedral, after whom Archbishop John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu is named.

Bishop Tucker was made Bishop of Uganda in 1899 and was renowned for trying to work with the local culture and customs in Uganda rather than trying to replace them with European attitudes.

The Archbishop of York said: “The Centenary of Bishop Alfred Tucker’s death is of great significance. I say this not only because my parents chose to name me after him, but because I believe his missionary spirit is exactly what the Church in England must rediscover today.”

Bishop Tucker served 20 years in Uganda before returning in 1911 to Durham, where he had previously served as curate at St Nicholas’ Church and a cathedral canon, where he served until his death in 1914 and where he is now buried.

The memorial service on Sunday, October 5 takes the form of Evensong and Procession beginning at 3.30pm, during which the Cathedral Choir will sing African music and Archbishop Sentamu will read in Luganda and preach to the congregation. Bishop Tucker’s ceremonial spear and shield will also be on display during the service.