THE Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, will preach a special centenary sermon at Bradford Cathedral this weekend as part of the Annual Legal Service.

The Archbishop, who is an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda, will join members of the Judiciary, including High Court Judges and Magistrates from across West Yorkshire, for this public service.

The Legal Service will take place at 11am this Sunday (February 3), where there will be processions which will include members of the choir, clergy, bishops, lawyers, barristers, judges, the High Sheriff, Lord Lieutenant and the Lord Mayor of Bradford.

The Very Revd Jerry Lepine, Dean of Bradford said: “The Legal Service is one of the high points of civic life in the Cathedral’s calendar.

"This year is the Cathedral’s Centenary and we are delighted to welcome the Archbishop of York as our preacher.

"This is an inspirational service and moment for this city and I want to encourage as many people as possible to come along and be part of it.

"The Legal Service showcases the Cathedral at its best as an institution that gathers together people from across the city and the region.”

Dr Sentamu added: “I am delighted to participate in The Legal Service during this Cathedral’s centenary year.

"As a former lawyer who served at the Bar and the Bench, I am committed to upholding the justice and mercy of God in our nation.

"I know that during the past 100 years, the Cathedral has been a deeply loved place of refuge and hope for all in the city.

"Please join us at this service as we pray for our nation and the City of Bradford proclaiming God in Jesus Christ who is our saviour, friend and brother.”

Dr Sentamu's post is the second most important in the Church of England. He was enthroned as Archbishop in 2005 and in October 2018 he announced he will retire on June 7, 2020 – three days before his 71st birthday.

The Ugandan-born Archbishop has hit headlines a number of times, perhaps most memorably when he cut up his clerical collar on television in a symbolic protest against Robert Mugabe's rule in Zimbabwe.

And in 2006, the Telegraph & Argus reported how he donned a 'hoodie' tracksuit top in a gesture designed to appeal to Bradford's young people. Dr Sentamu, who was visiting Bradford for a conference to look at ways of attracting more children and teenagers into the church, wore a hoodie emblazoned with the word 'Archbish. '

Members of the congregation and public are welcome at the Legal Service.

Free places can be reserved at bradfordcathedral.eventbrite.com. The parish church of St Peter's became Bradford Cathedral in 1919 on the formation of the Bradford Diocese and many events are planned to mark the anniversary.