The Rt Revd Justin Welby - Photo Credit: Diocese of Durham

Bishop Graham said, “I am delighted about the appointment of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury. He has the gifts to lead the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion with distinction. He has made a big impact as a bishop over the past year but has a wide experience which will serve him well and benefit all of us. He can be sure of my prayers and unreserved support in his new and demanding ministry."

The press release from Lambeth Palace is below:

The Queen has approved the nomination of the Right Reverend Justin Welby for election as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury.

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

The Right Reverend Justin Welby, aged 56, is currently Bishop of Durham.  He will be enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury in Canterbury Cathedral on 21st March 2013.

He said today: "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.

“One of the hardest things will be to leave Durham. I work with a group of wonderful senior colleagues and remarkable clergy and lay people. It is an astonishing part of the country, one which as a family we were greatly looking forward to living in for many years. The people are direct, inspiring and wonderfully friendly. In many ways it has been the ancient cradle of British Christianity. It is a place of opportunity and an even greater future than its past.” 

Dr Rowan Williams issued the following statement:

"I am delighted at the appointment of the Right Reverend Justin Welby to Canterbury. I have had the privilege of working closely with him on various occasions and have always been enriched and encouraged by the experience.

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. I wish him - with Caroline and the family - every blessing, and hope that the Church of England and the Anglican Communion will share my pleasure at this appointment and support him with prayer and love."

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