THE Revd Dame Sarah Mullally, Salisbury Cathedral’s Canon Treasurer, is to be the next Bishop of Crediton, Exeter.

Dame Sarah, who has been at the cathedral for three years, has been responsible for overseeing the care and maintenance of the buildings and delivering of its major repair programme, which is now almost complete.

She has also played a major role in developing the cathedral’s visual arts policy.

Dame Sarah said: “Throughout my life, as both a nurse and a priest, I have experienced God’s enduring love and I hope as Bishop to be able to share that love with others.

"My calling as a Christian and now as Bishop has been shaped by my belief that we are called to be witnesses to the generous love of God and the good news of Christ Jesus.

"In my future ministry in the Diocese of Exeter I hope to encourage and enable Christians to grow in their faith, to share that faith with confidence and to serve the people of Devon with joy.”

The Very Revd June Osborne said: “This appointment is wonderful news for the Exeter Diocese and the Church of England.

"Sarah will be sadly missed by all of us at the cathedral.

"Her faith, wisdom and infectious humour has made her an inspired treasurer, and a key figure in the pastoral life of the cathedral."

The Right Revd Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury, said: “I am delighted with Sarah’s appointment, though extremely sad to be losing her from Salisbury Cathedral and this diocese.

"I have no doubts that as Bishop of Crediton she will make an outstanding contribution to the Diocese of Exeter and to the Church of England."