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In an ancient formal legal ceremony accompanied by hymns, soloist, drums, brass and an address from Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the Most Rev. John Sentamu was confirmed as Archbishop of York in St. Mary-Le-Bow Church, London, on October 5. A majority of the Church of England's House of Bishops was present as well as Margaret Sentamu and members of the family, friends and officials of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion. The enthronement service is set for November 30 in York Minster.

Speaking October 5 following his confirmation of election as Archbishop of York, Sentamu said:

"We are living at a time of great opportunity and challenge for the Church of England, and I am looking forward to working with the Archbishop of Canterbury and other bishops, laity and clergy to take forward the mission of the Church to our nation.

"The Christian gospel has the power to transform people's lives, and to transform our nation. We in the Church need to play our part in communicating that gospel in both words and actions, and to speak out and work for justice. Together, we can help people of all kinds to respond to God's invitation in Jesus Christ."

Background

The Confirmation of the Election of a bishop or an archbishop is the second part of a two-stage process under which bishops have been appointed in the Church for many centuries. The first part of the process is the Election by the College of Canons -- in this case the Election took place in York Minster on July 21, 2005.

Although as a matter of law in this country each of these steps is undertaken under the authority of the Crown, each can also be traced back at least as far as the Council of Nicea in 325AD. The Election represents the choice of the bishop by the Diocese he will serve; the Confirmation of Election represents the affirmation of his Election by the wider Church.

The ceremony falls into two parts: there is an act of worship, which is followed by the more formal ceremony.

This ceremony consists of a series of legal exchanges over which the Archbishop of Canterbury, accompanied by six senior bishops of the Northern Province of the Church of England (the 'Royal Commissioners'), preside.

It begins with evidence being brought by the 'Proctor' on behalf of the Dean and College of Canons of York Minster, to show that the Election on July 21 was conducted in accordance with the law.

Sentamu is then presented as Archbishop by his Advocate and makes the usual Oath of Allegiance to the Queen and Declaration of Assent to the historic formularies of the Church of England. This is required by all clergy of the Church of England on taking up a new appointment. At its conclusion, the Archbishop of Canterbury confers upon him the spiritual authority of the See of York.