The Venerable Christine Hardman to be Bishop of Newcastle

The Church of England has announced its seventh woman bishop, the second to be in charge of an entire church district, or diocese.

The Venerable Christine Hardman, 64, will become the 12th bishop for the Diocese of Newcastle since 1882.

Mrs Hardman currently works in Southwark and replaces the Right Reverend Martin Wharton.

She was privileged and excited to come to a "vibrant, warm and proud part of the world".

"As Bishop of Newcastle, I will take every opportunity to engage in the public square and especially to speak on behalf of those whose voices are not heard," she said.

'Wisdom and experience'

The Diocese of Newcastle stretches to the Scottish border and covers the city of Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside and parts of Cumbria and County Durham.

The Assistant Bishop of Newcastle said Mrs Hardman offered it "real opportunities for growth".

The Right Reverend Frank White said: "Christine's gift for the intelligent engagement of the good news of Jesus Christ with the challenges of our times dovetails wonderfully with the vision of this diocese."

The Right Reverend Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark, said she would bring "great wisdom and experience to the role".

Mrs Hardman is married with two daughters and four grandchildren.