The Right Reverend Richard Garrard, currently suffragan Bishop of Penrith, is to be the next Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome. He succeeds the Right Reverend John Baycroft, who has retired on grounds of ill health. Bishop Garrard will take up his post in the autumn.

As well as running the Centre, which is an important focus for Anglican ecumenical relationships, the Director is the Archbishop of Canterbury's Representative to the Holy See.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, said today:

"Ecumenical endeavour is rightly a focus for our churches and Bishop Richard Garrard is a worthy successor to Bishop John Baycroft. He brings energy, warmth and wisdom to the role of Director, in all its aspects. Bishop John takes with him thanks for all that he has done, and good wishes and prayers for the future from me and many friends."

The Very Revd Stephen Platten, Dean of Norwich and Chairman of the Governors of the Anglican Centre said:

"The work of the Anglican Centre has reached a crucial stage and Bishop Garrard's theological background, coupled with his knowledge of Italian, give him the perfect qualifications for the important task ahead of him."

Bishop Richard Garrard (64) lists Italy as one of his 'recreations' and he has studied the Italian language. He and his wife Ann, an artist, had already decided to spend some time living in Italy on retirement.

Bishop Garrard said of his appointment:

"My wife, Ann, and I are delighted to be moving to the Anglican Centre in Rome. The search for Christian Unity is one of the churches' highest priorities and the Anglican Centre plays an important part. I shall be working to build on much progress already achieved. Listening, explaining, hospitality, study and prayer are the essential tools of the job."

Note for Editors:

Bishop Garrard's work to date has had considerable involvement with clergy training. He was Principal of the Church Army Training College from 1974-79, Canon Chancellor of Southwark Cathedral and Director of Training for the Diocese of Southwark from 1979-87, and Canon Residentiary, St. James's Cathedral, Bury St. Edmunds and Advisor for Clergy Training for the Diocese of St. Edmundsbury and Ipswich from 1987-91. In 1991 he was appointed Archdeacon of Sudbury, and in 1994, Bishop Suffragan of Penrith.