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New Bishop of Gloucester Rachel Treweek visits All Saints' Academy in Cheltenham

By Gloucestershire Echo  |  Posted: March 26, 2015

  • Rachel Treweek with pupils from All Saints'

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The new Bishop of Gloucester has been announced - and she's a woman.

Rachel Treweek is the first female Diocesan Bishop in the Church of England following legislation passed last year.

The 52-year-old said: "I am surprised and, I have to admit, even a little daunted by the prospect, but my overwhelming feeling is one of excitement."


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She visited All Saints' Academy in Cheltenham as part of a tour of Gloucestershire.

We asked headteacher, Dermot McNiffe, what the visit meant for the school.

"It means everything," he said.

"It's a real joyous day. It's absolutely amazing for the children. We're a young school.

"There's a lot of gratitude from our students in terms of being part of the Anglican diocese and the Catholic diocese.

"It's a special day."

Mr McNiffe was full of praise for Bishop Treweek.

"I think it's an excellent appointment and obviously based on the talents that she will bring.

"I'm sure the Venerable Rachel Treweek will do a great job in serving so it's absolutely fantastic to be part of the celebration of her."

The Bishop laid out her intentions.

She said: "I am looking forward to encouraging Christians to speak out with confidence about their faith and the good news that the Gospel brings.

"It will be my privilege to work with churches as we connect with people, wherever they are and whatever their concerns."

Her hudband, Guy, who's the vicar of two parishes in London, expressed his pride in his wife.

"When I first met Rachel 10 years ago she was a vicar in Bethnal Green and one of the things that I loved about her was her faithfulness in the way that she responded to God's call.

"As the years have past she's just been constant in that faithfulness.

"It's extraordinary and I'm incredibly proud of her.

"I see this as very much a fulfilment and extension of the person she is and that God has made her."

How would Guy describe his wife?

"I think she's kind, I think she's prayerful, I think she's passionate about justice, she's passionate about bringing people to the fulfilment that will only come from knowing Jesus.

"I think that she's a very special person and of course part of my job as a husband is to support her as she supports me."

Guy and Rachel have no children.

Guy said: "I'm the luckiest man in the world.

"If we'd have had children that would have been fantastic but I'm still the luckiest man in the world."

Rachel is the 41st Bishop of Gloucester and will be formally enthroned at Gloucester Cathedral later this year.

Reverand Libby Lane who was the first female bishop in the history of the Church of England congratulated Rachel.

"She is an exceptional priest whose leadership is well proven.

"She is both genuinely caring and deeply insightful.

"It has been an honour to serve alongside Rachel as Regional Representatives in the House of Bishops.

"Rachel and Guy are in my prayers as they prepare for this exciting change in their lives."

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