The Sun shines on Sentamu, on Sunday?

First up, apologies for the rather clunky title, but it felt right and its infuriatingly near enough got alliteration to make me smile wryly. Mostly, though, I want to write about John Sentamu, the erstwhile Archbishop of York, and one reaction to him writing for the new "Sun on Sunday". I was alerted to this story on the Ekklesia blog; "Archbishop of York endorses The Sun and The Sun on Sunday". In tune with Ekklesia's leanings, its fairly critical, and especially of Sentamu for endorsing the The Sun and The Sun on Sunday. This paper started back in February, but I was only aware of Ekklesia's post yesterday, so apologies for what is hardly breaking news! As we can actually read on both Ekklesias post, and Sentamus article, what he actually said was

"... from our country's favourite paper, all I can say is WOW".

Arguably, an over-enthusiastic endorsement. And that may be what it is. But I think Sentamu is actually being very clever in engaging with the sun. Whether the blogosphere, or the liberal elite, or the Guardianistas/Times Readers/Torygraphists look down on the Sun - it is where a huge number of people get their news. Instead of criticising Sentamu for writing for a paper (which, as Ekklesia points out, does have a fairly poor record for treating the vulnerable and women), I would rather note what Sentamu is writing.

On his "archbishopofyork.org" website, you can read Sentamus opening column for the Sun on Sunday. Sentamu opens by clearly acknowledging that "I know there will be those who will criticise me..." - but he is quick to move on into the Gospel, set in the framework of the Lenten period, and quick to be talking about forgiveness and new starts. John Sentamu is writing solid, biblical, fresh Gospel content in a Sunday tabloid. The article contextualises - and gives practical outlets for what he is writing - by talking about "Fairtrade Fortnight" and "Valuing the Young". Sentamu is not bible bashing in this column; he is wonderfully expounding real life in Jesus, and its implications.

People from all corners of the media/church/governmen/establishment criticse the church for not getting stuck in. It is easy to criticise the church for its past wrongs. But it seems as though it is actually harder to get into somewhere like the vast readership of The Sun - and share the Gospel message of real life with them. I personally think John Sentamu deserves a bit of kudos for his boldness. I'm sure many disagree with Sentamu's stance on many issues: but it is unfortunately rare to see an Anglican bishop be so bold, so clear, in a forum that will reach so many people. I think we should thank God for the boldness of this Archbishop, and hope that he will continue proclaiming truth in every avenue he can. And for that, I think we can forgive him unfortunate lines such as "And if you can buy the Sun seven days a week, even better!".

Note - I was amused and encouraged that the source of the picture used here - ship of fools - has a lovely little story about this issue. This link is to a letter written to Sentamu by a woman he once baptised. The article links here to his response, as posted on the woman's blog - which is one of the most authentically Gospel-focused Anglican things I have ever read. If you have any doubts about Sentamu's authenticity and love for people, read these two letters.