The Bench of Bishops of the Church in Wales today extended their heartiest congratulations to the Most Rev Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Wales, who was today named as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

In their statement the Welsh bishops say:

"We offer our heartfelt congratulations to Rowan Williams, our Archbishop, on his appointment as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. We acknowledge the many remarkable gifts and talents that he will bring to this new role as leader of the Anglican Communion and we joyfully anticipate this new period in his ministry.

"However, the news is bound to be met with some sorrow in Wales since we have deeply appreciated Rowan's contribution to the Church in Wales during his ten years as Bishop of Monmouth and particularly the two and a half years during which he has been Archbishop. His contribution to Wales' national life as well as the life of the Church in Wales has been immense. We will greatly miss his wisdom, leadership, deep spirituality and of course his warmth and humour."

The statement was issued by:

Gwir Barchedig Dr Barry Morgan, Bishop of Llandaff
Gwir Barchedig Anthony Pierce, Bishop of Swansea and Brecon
Gwir Barchedig John Davies, Bishop of St Asaph
Gwir Barchedig Saunders Davies, Bishop of Bangor
Gwir Barchedig Carl Cooper, Bishop of St Davids
Gwir Barchedig David Thomas, Provincial Assistant Bishop.