Honour for former Brum Bishop Dr John Sentamu

Feb 4 2008

THE former popular Bishop of Birmingham John Sentamu will today receive an honorary degree in a glittering ceremony.

The Birmingham City University has given the doctorate for his service to the people of the city.

As Bishop of Birmingham he won much praise for his spiritual leadership during times of trouble, including the closure of the Rover factory and the inner-city guns and gangs troubles.

Dr John has also been a senior advisor for inquiries into the murders of Stephen Lawrence and Damilola Taylor and been an outspoken critic of Robert Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe.

Now Archbishop of York, the second highest ranking Church of England bishop, he still maintains close links with Birmingham and will receive his honorary doctorate at a special ceremony at the Symphony Hall.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor David Tidmarsh said: "The Archbishop's contribution to the spiritual lives of the people of Birmingham was greatly appreciated and we are proud to celebrate the strong links he has with the city."