In a statement, Dr Sentamu said: "I will be retiring from my post as Archbishop of York in June 2020. I have decided to announce my retirement now in order to provide the Church of England with the widest possible timeframe to pray, discern with wisdom and insight and put in place a timetable for my successor and to consider fully the work they will be called to do in service to the national church, the Northern Province and the Diocese of York.
"I am deeply grateful to Her Majesty The Queen for graciously allowing me to continue as Archbishop of York until June 2020 in order to enable me to complete the work to which I have been called."
He added: "I am full of joy and expectation to see all that God is doing and will be doing in this diocese and in the Northern Province over the coming months."
Dr John Sentamu was installed as the 97th Archbishop of York in November 2005.
I have announced today that I will retire from my post as Archbishop of York on 7 June 2020 @churchofengland. Please read the statement in full at: https://t.co/1ONsbI49Yy
— John Sentamu (@JohnSentamu) October 1, 2018
He will continue to be involved in leading the bishops' missions in the Northern Province of the Church of England in Liverpool, Southwell & Nottingham and in York and extending his Young Leaders Award Programme.
He will also remain committed to missions already planned.
It is customary for a bishop to retire by their 70th birthday but the Queen may extend that by a year.
The regulation states: "She may authorise the continuance in office of that person after that date for such period, not exceeding one year, as She may in her discretion determine".
The Archbishop of Canterbury has paid tribute to his work on Twitter:
Archbishop @JohnSentamu your devotion to Christ and service to the @churchofengland is something we rejoice in with great gratitude!
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) October 1, 2018
Be assured of my prayers – and those of the whole Church – for you and Margaret over the coming period of transition. https://t.co/8eNgRtZi2b
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