Churches Together in England have welcomed the inauguration of the Rev David Coffey, who became the Free Churches Moderator in 2003, to the presidency of the Baptist World Alliance.

The Rev Coffey took up his term as President of the BWA, which runs until 2010, at an inauguration ceremony held at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham on the penultimate day of the Baptist Centenary Congress.

Churches Together said it is a "high calling of God to guide, lead and encourage the life of the church at this level, and we recognise that David had the necessary gifts to fulfil this ministry."

The Archbishop of Canterbury was among the high profile church leaders who commended the appointment of Coffey to the BWA presidency saying, "David is an outstanding pastor and theologian, who has been a deeply valued colleague. The Baptist World Alliance may feel completely confident in his presidency; he will lead with grace and wisdom."

As President of the BWA, Coffey will oversee the fellowship of 211 Baptist unions and conventions which comprise a membership of more than 34 million baptised believers and a worshipping community of more than 110 million Baptists.

He will also preside over the Baptist World Congress, the General Council and the Executive Committee.

The praises for Coffey continued with Rev Esme Beswick saying: "Our hearts greatly rejoice and with a song of praise to Almighty God we warmly welcome David’s election as President. He will provide sound and spiritual leadership to the Baptist World Alliance."

Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor also said: "I am delighted that my friend David has been elected. He is a trusted servant of the Gospel and is a man of great integrity."