Sentamu retirement opens door for Church of England’s first female archbishop

by Victoria Ward and Jamie Merrill, Telegraph:

The Archbishop of York has announced his retirement, paving the way for a woman to take the role for the first time.

Dr John Sentamu will step down on June 7, 2020, three days before his 71st birthday.

He was granted special dispensation from the Queen to extend his duties beyond the church’s compulsory retirement age of 70.

The Ugandan-born clergyman was enthroned as Archbishop of York in 2005.

He was the first black archbishop in the Church’s history and the ceremony broke with tradition, featuring drums and dancers.

Many are hoping that his retirement will allow the church take another leap forward by appointing a woman to its second most senior clerical role behind the Archbishop of Canterbury.

A Church of England spokesman acknowledged that the prospect was “entirely possible”.

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