A degree for Doctor John

10:53am Wednesday 16th July 2008

HE has become one of the most famous and respected religious figures in the UK, cut up his dog collar on live TV, done a charity parachute jump – and now the Archbishop of York has been awarded an honorary degree.

Dr John Sentamu was handed the accolade by Northumbria University in recognition of his “inspirational leadership and contribution to the nation”, as he joined other graduates at a special academic congregation ceremony in Newcastle’s City Hall.

Professor Kel Fidler, the university’s vice-chancellor, said: “Dr Sentamu is an inspirational leader and we are delighted to be awarding him the honorary doctorate of civil law for his significant contribution to the social, cultural and spiritual life of our nation.”

The university said it had chosen Dr Sentamu as one of four recipients of an honorary degree because of his role as a “tireless campaigner for justice” and his determination to speak out against gun, knife and drug-related crime.