New Archbishop's gambling plea

The Bishop of Durham, Rt Rev Justin Welby, has said anyone who made money by betting on his appointment as the next Archbishop of Canterbury should make a donation to the church.

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Sentamu: 'Tipsters can now return to silence'

The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu, who was initially thought to be one the front runners for the role of Archbishop of Canterbury, said in a statement that the "tipsters and lobbyists’ predictions can now return to silence".

Bishop Justin Welby has many gifts and unique experience to bring to this daunting office. More importantly he, like Archbishop Rowan, is a man of God.

I have been praying for him, will go on doing so with renewed vigour, and will continue to work with him as a brother and friend in Christ. He can count on the same brotherly affection and co-operation that I have given Archbishop Rowan.

The tipsters and lobbyists’ predictions can now return to silence. The appointment of an Archbishop is neither akin to a horse race nor a presidential campaign, and it is a relief that the rumour-mill which has been grinding out misinformation, has now ground to a halt.

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Prime Minister wishes next Archbishop of Canterbury success

David Cameron has welcomed the appointment of the Rt Rev Justin Welby saying he "wished him success in his new role".

I welcome Justin Welby’s appointment as the new Archbishop of Canterbury. The Church of England plays an important role in our society, not just as the established church, but in the provision of education, help for the deprived and infurthering social justice. I look forward to working with the Archbishop in allof these areas and I wish him success in his new role.

Bishop of Durham: I will be voting for women bishops

The Rt Revd Justin Welby has said he will vote in favour of the ordination of women bishops.

Speaking at a news conference after he was officially unveiled as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, he said:

I will be voting in favour, and join my voice to many others in urging the Synod to go forward with this change.

I want the Church to be a place where we can disagree in love. Respecting each other deeply as those who belong to Christ.

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Rt Rev Justin Welby on his 'astonishing' appointment as Archbishop

The Bishop of Durham has been officially unveiled as the new Archbishop of Canterbury today.

The Rt Rev Justin Welby, a former oil industry executive, said of his appointment:

"Well this is the best-kept secret since the last cabinet reshuffle.

"To be nominated to this post is astonishing and exciting, something I never expected".

Blair: 'Delighted' at appointment of new Archbishop

Tony Blair has expressed his "delight" at the appointment of Bishop Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury.

He will bring to the Church of England and the Anglican Communion a rich experience and spirituality alongside a deep commitment to building harmonious interfaith relations.

His knowledge of the Church in Africa, and particularly in Nigeria, will make a profound contribution to the life of the Anglican Communion in the years to come.

We wish him well in the difficult task of leading the Anglican Church, healing divisions between people of faith, and continuing in the tradition of his predecessor of spiritual leadership in Britain.

– Tony Blair
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