This press release was originally issued by Stoke on Trent City Council

The Archbishop of York, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu, will visit Stoke-on-Trent today as part of the city’s centenary celebrations.

Dr Sentamu will join with faith and civic leaders at a celebration taking place at the Kings Hall this evening where he will be the guest speaker.  The theme for the evening will be “hope for the future” and the event will also feature songs and music from the City Music School.

During the day he will visit a local faith project to see how support is given to local communities.

Dr Sentamu said: “It is an honour to be coming to Stoke-on-Trent to help the city with its centenary celebrations, and to see a city with such a vibrant and rich history.

“I want to help by bringing together communities and towns in the spirit of friendship, co-operation and harmony.  An event such as this gives everyone, regardless of religion, ethnicity or belief, a chance to come together as one, and give thanks for their city and everyone in it.”

Dr Sentamu was enthroned as the 97th Archbishop of York in 2005, and has spoken about a wide range of issues since.  He has highlighted the plight of young people in modern society, been a strong advocate of community work and opposed racism and slavery, particularly in his native Uganda.

The event will be hosted by Stoke-on-Trent City Council as part of a year long series of events, commemorating the city’s 100th anniversary.

The city’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Jean Bowers said: “We are very proud that Dr Sentamu will be visiting the city, and that the multi faith event will have such a recognisable and important person there.

“Dr Sentamu is a fitting guest in our centenary year and the city of Stoke-on-Trent will do its best to welcome him here.”

The Rector of Stoke Minster, the Revd Preb David Lingwood, added: “To have someone of Dr Sentamu’s standing in the religious world come to Stoke-on-Trent is a wonderful way to celebrate 100 years of the city’s history.

“He has spoken out about some of the most complex and important issues that face the modern world.  He is a man of great vision and sincerity, and gives a clear message to us all about the differences between right and wrong in an era when those lines are not so clearly defined.”

Lloyd Cooke, Chief Executive of the Saltbox Christian Centre, said: “This is an opportunity for Stoke-on-Trent to show what a great city it is, and bringing together people of all faiths and beliefs is an excellent idea.

“Dr Sentamu’s presence adds a special sense of occasion, and I’m sure that he will enjoy his time in the city, as much as we will enjoy having him here.”