Archbishop defends youths in hoodies

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, sprang to the defence of youths who wear hoodies yesterday, underlining his support by donning one himself.

Teenagers wearing the fashionable hooded jackets are often regarded with suspicion because they can hide their faces from security cameras.

They have been barred from some shopping centres after complaints that elderly people found them intimidating. But Dr Sentamu, who became Britain's first black archbishop last year, urged a Bradford Diocese conference on youth work not to jump to conclusions about those who wear them, adding "99 per cent of those who wear hoodies are law-abiding citizens".

The archbishop, who had been given the hoodie while bishop of Birmingham, said: "Being young is not a barrier to being used by God. We need to guide and support young people in their ministry."

His comments are part of an effort by the Church to attract young people back to the pews.