THE ARCHDEACON of Wiltshire is leaving her post to become the next Bishop of Taunton in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.

Venerable Ruth Worsley,has been Archdeacon of Wilts for two and a half years.

In this role, she has been responsible for supporting parishes and clergy on the ground, and acting as a link between them and the bishops. She has developed a reputation as a proactive and pastorally caring Archdeacon.

The Right Revd Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury, said: “The delight that will be felt at Ruth’s appointment is tempered by our sense of loss. She has made a great contribution in a relatively short time in this Diocese. She goes to Taunton with an unusual breadth and depth of experience and with much to offer the Diocese of Bath and Wells and the Church of England. She goes with our thanks and our blessing.”

Canon Jane Charman, the diocese’s director of ministry, said: “Ruth’s appointment as Bishop of Taunton follows quickly on that of Sarah Mullally as Bishop of Crediton. The Diocese of Salisbury has a reputation for encouraging and developing the ministry of ordained women so we are delighted that two of our women priests have been called to be bishops in the first year.

“Dean June Osborne, who for a generation has been one of the C of E’s leading women, has played a significant part in making this possible by her encouragement of others for ministry, including the ministry of a bishop.”