ARCHBISHOP of York John Sentamu does not need to be told to take heart - this is man, after all, who had the courage to stand up to Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.

Yet it must still upset Dr Sentamu that his appointment as the first black archbishop has caused him to receive race hate mail.

So let us take this opportunity to assure the new archbishop that such hateful communications are sent by a moronic minority who should be ashamed of themselves. Most people in York view Dr Sentamu's appointment with great warmth and enthusiasm.

Crackpots with small minds should not be allowed to tarnish such a fine appointment.

Updated: 10:37 Monday, October 10, 2005