The Church of England has named its most senior woman bishop, the second to be appointed to the episcopacy this week.
Rachel Treweek, currently Archdeacon of Hackney in London, will become the new Bishop of Gloucester.
She becomes the first women to be named a diocesan bishop, after Bishop Libby Lane was appointed Bishop of Stockport, a suffragan see in Chester, in January, and Canon Alison White’s appointment as suffragan Bishop of Hull yesterday.
She will also become the first woman bishop to sit in the House of Lords.
Archdeacon Treweek, a former speech therapist who is married to a priest in the Diocese of London said she was surprised and “a little daunted” by the appointment.
"But my overwhelming feeling is one of excitement to be coming to join with others in sharing the love of Jesus Christ with the people of this diocese," she added.
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said her appointment filled him with joy and thanksgiving.
The Archbishop remembered Archdeacon Rachel form his time as Bishop of Stepney in London.
“Rachel is a priest who cares deeply about the good news of God in Jesus Christ and has a deep love for people and, in the words of St Paul, she is always, ‘outdoing others in showing honour’,” he said.
She will be enthroned at Gloucester Cathedral later this year.
Legislation to permit women bishops was passed by the General Synod of the Church of England last November after years of debate.
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