A FORMER Oxford clergyman has been announced as the new Bishop of Sheffield.

The Very Reverend Dr Pete Wilcox, who was a stipendiary minister at St Giles' Church from 1990 to 1993, will take on the role.

He will replace the Right Reverend Steven Croft, who left the post last year to become Bishop of Oxford.

Last month, the Bishop of Burnley, The Right Reverend Philip North, withdrew his nomination "with regret and sadness" after his appointment was greeted with protests due to Mr North's long-standing opposition to the ordination of women as priests.

The bishop said he was withdrawing for personal reasons but said the "highly individualised nature of the attacks upon me have been extremely hard to bear".

Newcastle United fan Dr Wilcox has been ordained for more than 25 years and has been Dean of Liverpool since 2012. He is married to the novelist Catherine Fox and they have two adult sons.

He said: "Although the journey has been unconventional, to say the least, I feel called by God to this role and am therefore thrilled to be coming to the Diocese of Sheffield.

"There will be much for me to learn, but I am excited about the work which is already under way to share the good news about Jesus, and to work for the justice and peace which the kingdom of God will bring."

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said: "He is a gifted and renowned Bible teacher, pastor and enthusiastic evangelist. He is totally committed to social justice and human flourishing.

"He will lead the Diocese of Sheffield in the way of Christ with insight and oversight with a readiness to change, challenge and be challenged.

"His love of Jesus and His Gospel, His Church, the Body of Christ and the diverse peoples of God's world will make him a bishop who will work in partnership with all."