THE Rt Rev John Sentamu is clearly under no illusions about the challenges he faces when he becomes the Church of England's first black archbishop.

The current Bishop of Birmingham has said that the Church contains institutional racism, as a room full of smokers contains smoke.

And the only way to help clear the air of racism is to have people like Bishop Sentamu at the heart of the Church.

As a victim of racism himself, and as someone who has worked on inquiries into the killing of Stephen Lawrence and the stabbing of Damilola Taylor, he understands the damage bigotry causes.

His appointment sends a positive message about the Church's future as a more inclusive institution.

The Ugandan-born cleric's reputation as a plain speaker, who uses language which most people can understand, will help improve the Church's relevance.

And the fact that he is close enough to the Government to act as an advisor on race and inner city issues - without that closeness preventing him from criticising its policies - underlines his credibility.

Bishop Sentamu's elevation to the second highest position in the Church of England is an exciting development which offers a great deal of hope.

We wish him well in the challenges which lie ahead.