LONDON, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Dr. John Sentamu, the Church of England's first black archbishop, says he has been getting racist letters, some smeared with excrement.
The new archbishop of York, who is originally from Uganda, became the church's No. 2 man since his election earlier this year, reports The Times of London.
Despite his trying experience since his election, the archbishop said he does not believe Britain is a racist country. He said he could not tell whether the writers were fellow Anglicans because the letters were anonymous.
He told the BBC his response will be to pray for God's love and mercy for the letter writers.
Dr. Sentamu will be formally installed as archbishop of York next month. He has opted for a more informal "inauguration" rather than enthronement.
The archbishop said he has also received many letters of support from people in York, urging him not to be disheartened by the abuse.
