A FORMER Crewe priest with a passion for social justice and reform has been announced as a new Bishop.

Lynne Cullens, who served as Priest-in-Charge at St Andrew's Church in Bedford Street between 2016 and 2019, has been appointed as the Bishop of Barking.

She is currently Rector of Stockport and Brinnington and will be consecrated in her new role in the New Year.

After the Downing Street announcement, Lynne said: "I was really surprised to be invited to take up the role, but I am delighted, I'm humbled and thrilled.

"If you said to me 'have you always been called to be a bishop', the answer would be 'no'; have I always felt a calling to change the Church and position myself in order to do that, then 'yes'.

"I think the role of bishop will enable me to have greater agency and to be used by God to facilitate that continuing change and reform of the Church."

Lynne served her curacy in the parish of Congleton before becoming a non-stipendiary minister in The Benefice of Sandbach Heath (St John the Evangelist) with Wheelock in 2015 before moving to Crewe.

She has also worked as the CEO of the Tranmere Community Project, a Wirral-based charity

The Bishop of Stockport, Sam Corley, said: "Lynne has made a huge contribution to the town and borough in Stockport.

"She has been quick to spot opportunities for mission, adept at creating effective partnerships with a wide range of individuals and organisations, and consistent in creating spaces where the voices of those who are too often marginalised can be heard and responded to effectively.

"Lynne has this incredible ability to ask difficult questions and name uncomfortable truths."