Archbishop of York John Sentamu is coming to Bermuda as part of the 400th anniversary celebrations next month.

Rev. Sentamu — the first black Archbishop of York and the second most senior cleric in the Church of England — was born in Uganda where he incurred the wrath of dictator Idi Amin because of his judicial independence.

He will join festivities with his wife Margaret at three public events in October.

Anglican Bishop of Bermuda Patrick White said in a statement: "We are elated at the Archbishop's impending visit. He is known for his energy and willingness to be on the front line in the fight for justice."

The Sentamus visit was arranged by the local Anglican churches' 400th Anniversary committee "Faith Venture 2009: Where the Lord Leads".

Mission chairman Nicholas Dill said: "The Archbishop is a dynamic speaker with a wealth of personal experience. He suffered under dictator Idi Amin but held to his faith.

"Dr. Sentamu will deliver two public sermons while on Island and it is expected that he will speak on racial unity and the importance of Bermuda moving forward."

The Archbishop will hold informal chats with the Island's youth at a Party For Bermuda on Saturday, October 3, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Arboretum.

And on Sunday, October 4, he will deliver the sermon at the 10 a.m. Diocesan Eucharist at the Cathedral. This will be followed in the afternoon by an open air service at 4 p.m. at the Arboretum where Rev. Sentamu will deliver another sermon.

While on Island the Archbishop will speak at a men's breakfast and also meet with clergy.

Margaret Sentamu, the Archbishop's wife, a diversity consultant in Britain, will speak at two events, a women's breakfast on Saturday, October 3, and on race relations in a public forum at the Cathedral Hall on Friday, October 2, from 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, a British husband and wife team will perform a work they wrote and directed on the life of John Newton, the author of the famous hymn Amazing Grace. Contact your parish church directly for tickets and times.

Ruth Thomas has created her 63rd Mosaic: an historical dramatic account of the Anglican Church in Pembroke. It will be performed on Saturday, September 26, at 7 p.m. at St. John's Church in Pembroke.

A Festal Evensong will take place at St. Peter's Church the next day, Sunday, September 27, at 3 p.m.