09/11/2012

Justin Welby Named New Archbishop of Canterbury

Bishop of Durham Justin Welby has officially been named as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

Welby, 56, will take on the Church of England's most senior post at a ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral on 21 March 2013.

He only became a bishop a year ago when he took up the fourth most senior post in the Church of England.

The Eton-educated bishop will be the successor to Dr Rowan Williams who steps down in December after 10 years in the post.

Bishop Welby said: "I don't think anyone could be more surprised than me at the outcome of this process. It has been an experience, reading more about me than I knew myself. To be nominated to Canterbury is at the same time overwhelming and astonishing.

"It is overwhelming because of those I follow, and the responsibility it has. It is astonishing because it is something I never expected to happen."

Bishop Welby, was ordained in 1992, he worked in the oil industry for 11 years before studying theology at Durham. He served as Dean of Liverpool since 2007 then became Bishop of Durham in November 2011.

The Most Reverend Rowan Williams said he was delighted by the appointment.

"I have had the privilege of working closely with him on various occasions and have always been enriched and encouraged by the experience," he said.

"He has an extraordinary range of skills and is a person of grace, patience, wisdom and humour. He will bring to this office both a rich pastoral experience and a keen sense of international priorities, for Church and world."

(GK/IT)

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