THE next Bishop of Oxford will be the Rt Rev John Pritchard, Downing Street announced today.

He will succeed the Rt Rev Richard Harries who retired in June this year after 19 years in office.

Bishop John, who is 58, is Suffragan Bishop of Jarrow in the Diocese of Durham. He has previously been Archdeacon of Canterbury and Warden of Cranmer Hall in Durham.

Bishop John said: "Coming to the Diocese of Oxford is an unexpected honour and privilege. Through the years I have looked at the Diocese from afar and much admired what I've seen. Little did I think I would have the opportunity to make a contribution to the life and vitality of the Diocese and the wider community. I shall give it everything I've got but will need to start with a great deal of listening and learning. Please be patient!"

Penny Keens, who chaired the Vacancy-in-See Committee, said: "Bishop John has a track record as a leader in mission, he is passionate about faith in Jesus Christ and making known the good news of the Gospel, a man of prayer, and has a great knowledge of the Scriptures. We warmly welcome his appointment, and look forward to getting to know him - as he gets to know us - and moving forward together in our vision for Sharing Life' in the Diocese of Oxford."

Bishop John's ministry in Oxford will begin with a service of inauguration early next summer. The date has not yet been set.