Press release

Diocese of Durham

Approval of the nomination of the Very Reverend Justin Portal Welby, MA, Hon FCT, Dean of Liverpool, for election as Bishop of Durham.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The Queen has approved the nomination of the Very Reverend Justin Portal Welby, MA, Hon FCT, Dean of Liverpool, for election as Bishop of Durham in succession to the Right Reverend Nicholas Thomas Wright, MA, DPhil, DD, on his resignation on the 31 August 2010.     

Notes for editors

Justin Welby (aged 55) was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge.  After a career in the oil industry in Paris and London, he trained for the ministry at Cranmer Hall and St John’s College Durham.  He served his title at Chilvers Coton with Astley, Coventry diocese from 1992 to 1995.  From 1995 to 2002 he was Rector of Southam and also Vicar of Ufton, Coventry diocese from 1998 to 2002.  From 2002 to 2007 he was Canon Residentiary at Coventry Cathedral; and was Co-Director for International Ministry from 2002 to 2005. From 2005 to 2007 he was Sub-Dean at Coventry Cathedral and also Canon for Reconciliation Ministry and in 2007 was also Priest-in-Charge at Coventry Holy Trinity. Since 2007 he has been Dean of Liverpool.   

From 2000 to 2002 he was Chairman of an NHS Hospital Trust, and he currently also serves on the Committee of Reference for the ethical funds of a large investment company in the City of London. 

Justin Welby is married to Caroline and they have had six children (one of whom died in infancy). His recreations include most things French and sailing.

Published 2 June 2011