News of the Day – The Bishop of Durham has just been named the next Archbishop of Canterbury, those of you with a subscription to Church Times will be interested to know.
Speaking of his new appointment, the Rt Rev Justin Welby, aged 56, described it as “astonishing and exciting”.
The current Archbishop is retiring in December after 10 years in the post. He will officially become the new Archbishop at a ceremony held at Canterbury Cathedral on 21st March 2013. It is said to have been a shock, seeing as Welby has only been a Bishop for a year.
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."
Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed the news on his Twitter account, joking: "Well, that was the best-kept secret since the last cabinet reshuffle."
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Posted by Claire Sharp.
