THE new Bishop of Gloucester was revealed today as Rachel Treweek, the first female diocesan bishop to be appointed by the Church of England.

The Venerable Rachel Treweek, 52, who is currently Archdeacon of Hackney in the diocese of London, will become the new Bishop of Gloucester.

An announcement was made today at Harnhill, Driffield near Cirencester.

She takes over the role from The Right Reverend Michael Perham, who retired in November.

Two women bishops have already been appointed by the Church, but they are not bishops in charge of a diocese.

She will be formally enthroned at Gloucester Cathedral later this year.

The West Methodist Leader and the Gloucestershire Methodist Superintendent have both welcomed the new bishop.

The Revd Ward Jones, chairman of the Bristol Methodist District said he was delighted at the news.

"On behalf of the Methodist Church in the West of England I want to warmly welcome this historic appointment," he said.

"For some 40 years Methodism has benefited significantly from  the contribution of women ministers in equivalent senior roles.  I am sure both the diocese,  the Anglican Church as a whole and local ecumenical partners will be richly blessed through the ministry of our new bishop. Welcome Rachel. May you be richly blessed and be a blessing to others."

And the Revd. Dr. James Tebbutt, Superintendent Minister for the Gloucestershire Methodist Circuit area added: "We are delighted to hear today of the appointment of the Venerable Rachel Treweek as the first woman Bishop of Gloucester and as the first Diocesan woman Bishop. 

"For many years all posts in the Methodist Church have been open on merit to women as well as men, and thus we look forward to working closely with, as she will become, Bishop Rachel, in the years ahead."

More to follow.