Lambeth Palace has announced that the Revd Canon Dr Martin Kitchen has taken over as Director of the Lambeth Diploma programme, the Archbishop's Examination in Theology. Dr Kitchen succeeds Bishop Geoffrey Rowell, who has taken up the post of Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe.

Dr Kitchen said the programme made a vital contribution to the development of clergy and lay people. "The Lambeth diploma provides a valuable opportunity for people in the Church to complete a rigorous academic course in theology. It is particularly suited to the needs of clergy and lay people in ministry in the church who might not have access to the kind of funds needed for university courses. It's a great privilege to be asked to oversee it."

Dr Kitchen remains a Canon and Vice Dean of Durham Cathedral.