THE Bishop of Ely, Stephen Conway, has welcomed the appointment of the Bishop of Durham, Justin Welby as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

Bishop Stephen said: “With many others I look forward to the wonderful gifts, experience and insight he will bring to the Church.

“I spent the first 20 years of my ministry in the Durham Diocese and know that the North East has quickly extended its immense capacity for warmth and loyalty to Bishop Justin.

“I would assure Bishop Justin of my prayers as he takes on this most challenging role but one I know he is well equipped to fulfil as he follows God’s path for his life and ministry.”

Bishop Justin will succeed Dr Rowan Williams, who is retiring at the end of December after ten years as Archbishop.

Bishop Justin, aged 56, will be enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury in Canterbury Cathedral on March 21, 2013.

He said this week: “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.”