New Bishop of Monmouth is Richard Pain

The new Bishop of Monmouth is to be Richard Pain, the Archdeacon of Monmouth, it has been announced.

The doors of Newport Cathedral had been locked as an electoral college, which included all the bishops in Wales, cast their nominations and votes.

The election follows the retirement in June of Dominic Walker, who served as Bishop of Monmouth for 10 years.

The bishop-elect says he is in favour of women bishops and wants to make the church more relevant for society.

The Venerable Richard Pain, 56, told BBC Radio Wales that he was honoured to be offered the position.

Among the issues which needed to be tackled was declining church membership, he said.

"We need to do something about that. Our relevance for society is very important, and we need to build up better community links and encourage a sense of value and spirituality that people will find attractive."

He also said he looked forward "to a day when we're able to have women bishops for a sense of equality in the church".

The archdeacon has worked in the Monmouth diocese for nearly 30 years and has "played a key role in formulating the strategy for its future", the Church in Wales said.

Before becoming archdeacon, he was vicar in Monmouth for 10 years, vicar in Risca, Six Bells and Cwmtillery, and a curate in Caldicot.

Announcing the appointment, the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, said: "Richard is a very experienced parish priest who has worked all over the diocese and knows it well.

"He will be an excellent Bishop of Monmouth and I look forward immensely to working with him."

The bishop-elect is married with two sons and is a keen amateur photographer who plays the classical guitar and keeps hens.

In 2008 his daughter, Amy, 22, died from an overdose of drugs bought over the internet.

At the time the coroner said it was likely Miss Pain died after taking an overdose to try to relieve period pain.

He recorded a verdict of death by misadventure at a Newport inquest.

The archdeacon now has 28 days to accept the position and, if he does, will be confirmed in his new role in September.

If he accepts, the Venerable Richard Pain will become the 10th Bishop of Monmouth.