|PIC1|The Rt Rev Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol, is to become the new president of Anglican evangelical mission agency CPAS.

He has accepted an invitation from the CPAS board of trustees to hold the position of president for the next five years, as an advocate and supporter of the organisation’s focus on developing leaders for a mission-shaped Church.

The Rev John Dunnett, CPAS general director, said: "I am delighted that Bishop Mike has accepted our invitation to become the new president of CPAS. It is wonderful to appoint somebody who is as passionate as we are about developing leaders for mission, to bring about growth in local churches all around the country. He is sure to be a great asset to CPAS over the coming years."

Before becoming the Bishop of Bristol, Bishop Hill served in parish ministry for 14 years before becoming an archdeacon and then area bishop in the Diocese of Oxford. He has a passion for mission and leadership in the Church and is known around the world for his teaching ministry.

His wider responsibilities in the Church of England include being Chair of the World Mission and Anglican Communion Panel.

Bishop Hill said: "There is a natural affinity between my own interests and the vision of CPAS, as we both share a commitment to the priority of leadership development to help form a mission-shaped Church."

CPAS is also announcing the appointment of three new vice-presidents, the Rt Rev James Newcombe, Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Graham Cray, Fresh Expressions team leader, and the Rt Rev Peter Broadbent, Bishop of Willesden.

Bishop Hill succeeds the Rt Rev James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool, who is standing down following the completion of two five-year terms as CPAS president.

Rev Dunnett added: "We are extremely grateful to Bishop James, who has been a wonderful friend to CPAS over the past 10 years, especially for his support during the re-envisioning to focus on leadership development which we undertook last year."