Dr Paula Gooder has joined the Bible Society team as their new theologian in residence.

She will help to advocate the Bible in wider society and shape the organisation's theology.

The New Testament specialist said she was excited about her new role, which she will take up in September.

"I have long admired the work of Bible Society and am very excited to be able work with them in this new role," she said.

"My great passion has, for many years now, been to excite people to read the Bible either for the first time or again so that they are transformed to be more and more like Jesus.

"This role with the Bible Society allows me to join in more with the work that they are already doing in this area and I am honoured to work with them."

Dr Gooder already services as a Vice President of Bible Society. In addition to this role, she writes and lectures on biblical studies and is Canon Theologian of Birmingham and Guildford Cathedrals, Lay Canon at Salisbury Cathedral, a Six preacher of Canterbury Cathedral, visiting lecturer at King's College, London and Associate lecturer at St Mellitus College, London. She is a Reader in the Church of England and a member of General Synod.

Bible Society's Group Chief Executive James Catford said: "I am delighted that Dr Gooder has accepted our invitation to join Bible Society as our theologian in residence.

"Dr Gooder is an outstanding thinker and communicator in biblical studies. We look forward to the contribution she will make to and through Bible Society as we offer the Bible to the world."