The Church Mission Society has welcomed the appointment of Archbishop Dr Rowan Williams as the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury as a decisive move that will bring thoughtfulness, new energy and depth to the mission of the Church. In a statement issued today, CMS General Secretary the Revd Canon Tim Dakin says:

"This is a decisive move which will open up the possibility of radical renewal of the way the Church of England engages in mission. Dr Rowan Williams brings immense intellectual gifts, personal holiness, theological depth and cultural breadth to the role of archbishop. He will give a strategic lead to the mission to our nation and culture at a time when some are saying the Church has lost its way.

"I believe evangelical colleagues will find in him someone who understands their position and concerns, who will be a listening ear, and whose partnership will build on the valued ministry of Archbishop George Carey to strengthen their mission calling. I also think he will bring strong convictions about the Gospel as public truth to debates about the social and ethical issues at stake in the life of the nation and the Anglican Communion.

"I hope people will pray for him and his family, in particular for wisdom for Rowan as he seeks to lead the Anglican Communion into greater unity and listens to the voices of third-world Anglican leaders and their biblically-based convictions.

"I look forward to his leadership."