Archbishop Desmond Tutu was announced on Friday as the new President of Church Army in the society's 125th anniversary year. The Archbishop is the first overseas based president of the society and will be succeeding former Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey.

The Chief Executive of Church Army, Mark Russell said, "Desmond Tutu is a true world figure and inspiration to millions of Christians as someone who lives forgiveness and grace. He is a man who is respected across people of all faiths and none and has first hand grass root experience of mission and evangelism. We are delighted to have him as our new president."

Archbishop Tutu warmly responded saying of Church Army and his new appointment, "Church Army is committed to reaching those beyond the church boundaries, and bringing the hope of the Christian gospel to the least, the last and the lost. I am pleased to do what I can to share the vision that was so clearly established back in 1882 by Wilson Carlile of helping to turn the church inside out and mobilise as many people as possible to help share the good news of Jesus Christ."

Archbishop Tutu is only the seventh president in the 125 year history of Church Army and has committed himself to coming to the UK in 2008 to see first hand some of the mission work being done by some of the 330 evangelists who do the frontline work of Church Army.

Church Army members were told of the appointment in an announcement at it's AGM and service of celebration held at St Mary Abbots Church in Kensington, London. The event featured a talk from the Bishop of London the Rt Rev and Rt Hon Richard Chartres and worship was led by Tim Hughes.