Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu praises Wirral church for its work in the community

May 6 2009 by Liam Murphy, Birkenhead News

Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu praises Wirral church for its work in the community

THE Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, praised the community work of a church in one of Wirral’s most deprived communities.

The Archbishop is one of the most senior members of the Church of England, and was welcomed by parishioners at St Peter’s, in Rock Ferry.

There he met with those involved with the small church’s parish groups including the Ferries Families Group, which gives practical help to 120 local people on issues such as self-esteem, nutrition and educational support.

The Vicar of Rock Ferry, the Rev Peter Froggatt, said everyone had been thrilled by the Archbishop’s visit.

He said: “It is a great encouragement for us that Archbishop John is visiting.”

The Archbishop said he was impressed by the work of the groups based at the church, and described their efforts as “mind-blowing”.

Dr Sentamu said he hoped to return to Wirral to see the work of those trying to reduce “the disparity between sections of society in terms of how long we live.”