The Archbishop of York is to visit Kenya to offer prayers and solidarity for the people caught up in the current troubles.

After a long telephone conversation with the Most Revd. Benjamin Nzimbi, Archbishop of Kenya, both Archbishops agreed that the visit to Kenya during this time to join in prayers for peace and reconciliation in the predominantly Christian country would be invaluable.

Archbishop Sentamu, who flew out to Nairobi last night (Thursday 7 February 2008) for a four-day visit, is expected to spend time in some of the refugee camps that have sprung up to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of displaced people, fleeing violence. His fact-finding visit will help to inform Christians in England how they can stand in solidarity with their brothers and sisters.

During his visit the Archbishop will be meeting with representatives of the Government and Opposition parties.

Writing on his website prior to leaving for Kenya Dr. Sentamu said:

“I have accepted Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi’s encouragement to visit Kenya. During the troubles in Uganda brought about by the Amin regime, the people of Kenya stood in solidarity with the suffering of Uganda. Kenya was a haven for many Ugandans. Kenya was the base for the headquarters of both the East African Court of Appeal and the East African Economic Community. Kenya was the economic lifeline to landlocked Uganda.

“Now during their own time of trouble I have decided to accept Archbishop Nzimbi’s encouragement to come and stand in solidarity and prayer with the suffering in that land.

“It is significant to me that it is at this time that the worldwide Church enters into the time of Lent, when we prepare ourselves to commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Kenya’s suffering is lived under the shadow of the Cross.

“My prayer will be that the joy of the resurrection awaits this land and that this act of solidarity will be a reminder to them of the millions worldwide, who stand with them in their suffering.”

Ends

Notes to Editors

The Archbishop’s statement on his website can be found at: www.archbishopofyork.org.uk/1574

The Archbishop is unavailable for interview.

According to official figures the religious make-up of the Republic of Kenya is: Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, indigenous beliefs 10%, Muslim 10%, other 2%