Archbishop Of York in Jamaica

Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, did not mince his words as he apologised for the Anglican Church’s participation in the slave trade.

“Whether I like it or not, I belong to the church which participated in the transatlantic slave trade,” said Archbishop Sentamu, at a special convocation ceremony at the University of the West Indies (UWI).

“The actions of my forebears are my actions,” said Archbishop Sentamu,” I can’t distance myself from the terrible things that the Anglican Church did to my brothers and sisters who were sold as slaves. And for that I deeply apologise.”

“In a free society, we need to remember that all are involved in the actions which some are doing; some are guilty, but all are responsible,” he said.

Archbishop John Sentamu was conferred with the degree of Doctor of Laws – honoris causa – by the University of the West Indies (UWI).

“You have thrust greatness upon me by conferring the honorary Doctor of Laws,” said Archbishop Sentamu.” I count this as an honour, and this is something that I value highly.”

The archbishop added that he was delighted to learn that UWI was founded one year before he was born. “I can feel that I share the university’s growing up, and I can say to my elder brother, well done!”

Earlier, Professor Brian Meeks, of the department of government, in delivering the citation, called Archbishop Sentamu “a prophet of ecumenism and messenger of peace”.

“In honouring him, we celebrate not simply the iconic and enduring power of the African presence in nurturing the cultural diversity,” said Meeks from the citation, “but also the individual attributes of a renowned man of principle and a humane servant of God.”

The gathering, comprising faculty and graduates of the UWI and high school students, appreciated the archbishop’s sense of humour as he related amusing anecdotes, while at the same time speaking to serious issues. The occasion was enlivened by performances of the UWI Panoridim Steel Orchestra and the University Singers.

It was the sixth time in the history of the UWI that a special convocation was held. Those honoured at special convocations are Desmond Tutu in 1986, Nelson Mandela in 1991, Colin Powell in 1994, Harry Belafonte in 1996 and Kofi Annan in 1998.