Diocese of York / News & events / News

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, today washed the feet of twelve people at York Minster, at a service remembering Jesus’ Last Supper. The foot washing was part of a service on Maundy Thursday, the day when Christians commemorate the last meal Jesus shared with his twelve disciples when he washed their feet before supper.

Archbishop Sentamu said, “Washing someone’s feet is a powerful statement. It speaks of following the example and command of Jesus Christ. Jesus who was Lord and Master washed the feet of his friends like a servant would; teaching us that people who lead should always serve their people. He then shared supper with his disciples, which we commemorate by celebrating Holy Communion. This was the last supper that Jesus shared with his disciples, before he was crucified.”

“This week leading up to Easter is full of apparent contradictions: the Lord becomes a servant and washes his disciples’ feet. The crown of glory is a crown of thorns. The cross, an instrument of death, becomes the way to resurrection and new life. We remember Jesus’ suffering on Good Friday, knowing that death is not the end. Jesus’s self-sacrifice means victory, hope, and new life for us. There is nothing better to celebrate than the victory of love: sins are forgiven, reconciliation made possible, and hope restored.”

Kate Whitworth, the Learning Manager at York Minster, was one of the people whose feet were washed as part of the service. She said, “It was a real privilege to be asked if I wanted to take part in the service – I’ve never done this before. It’s such an important service in the church’s year that I wanted to be involved.”

The service also saw over a hundred clergy from across the Diocese of York come to the Minster, from places as far afield as Redcar, Bridlington, Selby and Hull. During the service, they renewed their Ordination Vows, and received oils to use in their ministries of baptism, confirmation, and anointing the sick.

Archbishop Sentamu said, “This Maundy Thursday service at York Minster is one of the times when clergy from across the Diocese can come together and meet in fellowship. We all share in Christ’s last Supper together, before we go out to share the story of Easter in our own parishes.”

Pictured - Archbishop Sentamu washes the feet of Kate Whitworth