Downing Street has today announced that the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE is to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, said in a statement:
"This is an historic announcement for the Church of England and for the Anglican Communion. I warmly commend our Archbishop of Canterbury-designate Dame Sarah Mullaly and her family to the prayers and affections of the Diocese of Oxford.
"Sarah will bring proven wisdom, love, dedication and vision to her new role. Please do pray for Bishop Sarah as she seeks to draw the nation, the Anglican communion and the Church of England into a deeper love of God and a stronger love of neighbour."
The Rt Revd Gavin Collins, Bishop of Dorchester, added:
"As well as being an experienced episcopal leader, Sarah comes with extensive personal experience as a pastor and local church leader, and is ideally equipped to provide the vision and leadership needed for our Church as we seek to serve and witness to our nation in the years ahead."
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and leader of the Church of England. They serve as the head of the global Anglican Communion, as well as being the diocesan bishop for Canterbury.
Find out more about the Archbishop of Canterbury-designate and read the Church of England's press release.
A prayer for the Archbishop of Canterbury-designate
God our Father,
Lord of the church,
We thank you for calling Sarah Mullally to be our new Archbishop.
We thank you for her willingness to respond to your call,
and pray that you would pour upon her the strength, wisdom and vision that she needs as she leads and serves us.
May we in turn commit to praying for Archbishop of Canterbury-designate Sarah and her family,
that you would bless and protect them,
and enable your church to walk together under her leadership in grace, unity and love.
We ask this through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.