Archbishop Nichols welcomes appointment of new Archbishop of Canterbury

The Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols has welcomed the appointment of the Bishop Justin Welby as the new Archbishop of Canterbury. Archbishop Nichols, who is currently leading a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, said:

“On behalf of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, I warmly welcome the news of the appointment of the current Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Justin Welby as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

“I know that Bishop Welby will bring many personal gifts and experience to his new role. As the future Primate of the Church of England, I am sure that his ministry, like that of his predecessor Archbishop Rowan Williams, will provide an important Christian witness to this country over the coming years.

“In fidelity to our Lord Jesus Christ’s prayer that his followers may all be one, I hope that we will endeavour to strengthen the bonds of Christian friendship and mission already established between the Catholic Church and the Church of England. I look forward to working closely with Bishop Welby in the service of the common good and in the common witness we can give to all the people in our land.

“The Archbishop-elect may be assured of the prayers and best wishes of the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales and of the whole Catholic community in our country.”

Source: CCN