Church of England announces the new Bishop of Sheffield

The Very Revd Dr Pete Wilcox is the Dean of Liverpool Cathedral

The Very Revd Dr Pete Wilcox has been confirmed as the new Bishop of Sheffield.

He has been appointed after the previous nominee, the Rt Revd Philip North, declined the position last month after fellow clergy objected to his stance against ordaining women priests.

Dr Wilcox, 55, is currently the Dean of Liverpool Cathedral.

The Diocese of Sheffield said he will be consecrated at York Minster over the summer.

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The new bishop was ordained for more than 25 years and has previously worked on Teesside, in Walsall and at Lichfield Cathedral.

He is married to the author Catherine Fox and has two adult sons.

Speaking about his appointment, Dr Wilcox said : "Although the journey has been unconventional, to say the least, I feel called by God to this role and am therefore thrilled to be coming to the Diocese of Sheffield.

"There will be much for me to learn, but I am excited about the work which is already under way to share the good news about Jesus, and to work for the justice and peace which the kingdom of God will bring."