THE first female diocesan bishop in the Church of England will formally begin her new role as the Bishop of Gloucester in September.

Over 1,000 people are expected to attend a special event in Gloucester Cathedral to mark Rachel Treweek's appointment in the position on Saturday, September 19.

During the service she will be presented with her pastoral staff and will be placed in her cathedra (or bishop’s chair) by the Archdeacon of Canterbury, the Venerable Sheila Watson, on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Mrs Treweek will also preach her first sermon in Gloucester as the bishop.

Though Mrs Treweek is set to be consecrated as the 41st Bishop of Gloucester at Canterbury Cathedral on Wednesday, July 22, the service in September will mark the formal start of her ministry in the Diocese of Gloucester.

She said: “I am delighted that my inauguration service is finally in sight and I am looking forward to it with joyful anticipation and immense excitement.

"It is my hope that the service will resound with thanksgiving for what has been and hopeful expectancy for what is yet to come, as we journey together into the next chapter, rooted and grounded in the love of Christ.”

During the service, Mrs Treweek will be welcomed by the Dean of Gloucester, the Very Rev Stephen Lake.

He said: “This will be a great day for the cathedral and everyone in Gloucestershire. We are all very excited about welcoming our new bishop and working together to proclaim the good news of Jesus.”

Mrs Treweek comes to the diocese having served previously in a number of other ministries. She was a curate at St George and All Saints, Tufnell Park before becoming the Vicar of St James the Less, Bethnal Green in 1999. She was appointed as Archdeacon of Northolt in 2006 and before being appointed the Bishop of Gloucester was the Archdeacon of Hackney, a role she had since 2011.

Invitations to attend the service will be sent across the diocese and beyond. Further information regarding invitations and details of the service will be available the week beginning Sunday, July 19.