Church Appoints Its Second Woman Bishop

The new Bishop of Hull is to be the Reverend Canon Alison White.

Only the second woman to be named as a bishop, the Rev Canon White is currently priest-in-charge of Riding Mill in the Diocese of Newcastle.

Announcing the news, the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu said: "This is a joyous day! I am delighted to be welcoming Alison as the next Bishop of Hull.

"Whilst she will be working with others across the Diocese of York encouraging faith in urban life, she will have particular responsibilities for the vibrant city of Hull and the glorious coastline and countryside of the East Riding.

"Alison is a person of real godliness and wisdom - it is fantastic that she has accepted God's call to make Christ visible together with all of us in this Diocese of York."

The Rev Canon White said: "In 2010, I was privileged to be invited to take part in the York Diocesan Clergy Conference where I got a profound sense of a Diocese with faith and hope.

"I know that there is a real vision to be generous churches making and nurturing disciples and can't wait to be part of loving God and growing the Church in this great part of Yorkshire."

The new bishop, who became a priest in 1994, is married to Bishop Frank White, assistant bishop of Newcastle.

She will be consecrated on 3 July at York Minister.

The Church of England named its first woman bishop last July.

The Rev Libby Lane was consecrated as the eighth Bishop of Stockport at York Minster in January.