The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu is to visit the Diocese of Sodor and Man for two days on the 6 & 7 October. He will travel around all of the Isle of Man, accompanied by Bishop Robert Paterson.
On arrival, the Archbishop is to lead a school assembly at Arbory before a trip to Port Erin where he will meet the Southern Befrienders, an independent charity helping to alleviate social isolation and loneliness in local communities.

The Archbishop will then visit the largest town and capital, Douglas, stopping briefly along the way for lunch at St Mark’s to experience Manx hospitality first-hand.

Later in the afternoon, the Archbishop is to meet with the Overseas Aid Committee of Tynwald before the launch of the Manx Credit Union at Nadine House in Douglas. David Talbot, one of the chief organisers of the Credit Union commented, “We are delighted and excited that the Archbishop is coming to see us on his visit and to help us with the launch of the Credit Union and welcome as many to come and see him here with us.”

On Friday, the Archbishop begins with a high school assembly at Ballakermeen before heading out to the west of the island, to the Cathedral in Peel.
There will be a great opportunity for local people to meet with the Archbishop at the Cathedral with a Question and Answer session at 10:45am. All are welcome to attend.
After lunch, the Archbishop will head north to visit Ramsey School Farm with local school children before the inauguration of the Reverend Chris Lowdon as Northern Mission Partnership leader at an afternoon tea event in Andreas.

Archbishop Sentamu said: “I am very much looking forward to returning to the Isle of Man and I am thankful for Bishop Robert’s ministry here – there is much to celebrate and to give thanks to God. My last visit included baptisms in the sea at Peel on the west of the island, so watch out!”

Ends