The Queen has approved the nomination of the Reverend Canon Dr Christopher John Cocksworth for election as Bishop of Coventry.
Dr Cocksworth succeeds the Rt Rev Colin James Bennetts, who resigned in January, and will be the youngest diocesan bishop in the Church of England.
Dr Cocksworth served his first curacy at Epsom Common Christ Church, Guildford diocese, from 1988 to 1992. From 1992 to 1997 he served as Chaplain of Royal Holloway, University of London and then as the Director of the Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme from 1997 to 2001. He was made an Honorary Canon of Guildford Cathedral in 1999. He has been Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge, since 2001 where he has led the College into a period of significant growth.
He was a member of the Church of England Liturgical Commission from 1996 to 2006, and was involved in the revision of the ordination services and the compilation of Common Worship Daily Prayer.
Dr Cocksworth said: "Having been brought up with the story of the Cathedral and having worked with Bishop Colin and Bishop Simon on different projects, I have long admired the Diocese of Coventry. I am thrilled to have the chance to play a part in its vision of reconciliation and peace for the world and faith and hope for all.
"I am privileged to be coming to a county at the heart of England and a city that became a 20th-century icon of the possibilities of the human spirit. I am very grateful for the opportunity to help the Church contribute to the building up of the life of county and city in the twenty-first century. I look forward to immersing myself in the life of this exciting diocese and getting to know its people and communities."
