Mark welcomes the appointment of Bishop Graham as the next Archbishops' Missioner

28 October 2008

Church Army's Chief Executive, Mark Russell welcomes the announcement today that The Bishop of Maidstone, Rt Reverend Graham Cray, is to be the next Archbishops' Missioner and leader of the Fresh Expressions team.

Bishop Graham takes up his appointment in 2009 and will succeed Dr Steven Croft, who has been appointed as the next Bishop of Sheffield.

Mark Russell, said: "What a fantastic and creative appointment! A fresh expression of Episcopacy! I am delighted and excited by Bishop's Graham's new appointment. Graham bristles with gifts, and he will build on Steve Croft's excellent work, continuing to lead the thinking in helping us all create a mission-shaped church. He is a common sense visionary, who loves God and loves people. Church Army values our partnership with Fresh Expressions immensely, we assure Graham of our prayers, and we are really excited about working with him in his new role"

The new appointment gives Bishop Graham a unique opportunity to further develop many of the ideas and suggestions put forward by the Working Party he chaired before producing the much celebrated report Mission-shaped Church. The concept of 'fresh expressions' and the notion of a 'mixed economy' church were both explored in that document.

Bishop Graham said this morning: "I have been delighted with the national and ecumenical response to Mission-shaped Church and hugely impressed with the work done by the Fresh Expressions team. It is an honour and a thrill to be asked to lead the second phase of the work. I am very grateful for the Archbishops' invitation, and look forward to taking up my new responsibilities."