HOW I wish I could have been at the inauguration of John Sentamu as the Archbishop of York. Reading about it in the Press made me so envious, and long to have been a guest at this unique celebration.

What a very special person Dr Sentamu must be, to have overcome the problems of his youth and the escape from the troubles in Uganda and to have made a new life for himself in the church.

The large congregation were clearly out to enjoy the proceedings while the demeanour, enthusiasm and varied dress of the dancers together with the lively music was breathtaking. The unselfconscious display of bare human flesh during the tribal dancing in the historic and dignified setting of the Minster made the event even more unforgettable. I bet the very stones sat up and took notice!

If anyone can help to reawaken people's interest and support in Christianity, our new archbishop certainly can - and I wish him well in his new and elevated position. He has that spark of humour, warmth and humanity which separates a great man from a good one.

He is certainly the man for the job.

Heather Causnett,

Escrick Park Gardens,

Escrick, York.

Updated: 10:56 Monday, December 05, 2005