GLOUCESTER is now home to the Church of England’s first female diocesan bishop.

Hundreds of well-wishers made the journey to Canterbury Cathedral to witness the consecration of Rachel Treweek by Archbishop Justin Welby.

Two female bishops have already been appointed in Britain but Mrs Treweek is the first woman to run a diocese, a large area made up of parishes.

She will be one rank below archbishop, the highest rank in the Church of England.

The diocese of Gloucester covers 323 parishes and 396 churches including the deaneries of Cirencester and North Cotswolds.

During the service she was presented with her episcopal ring and pectoral cross, which were both designed especially for Rachel to represent her passion of conflict resolution, empowering others and her link with South Africa.

Rachel, 52, will also join the House of Lords with her fellow Bishops as one of the Lords Spiritual.  

“I am excited and full of anticipation and joy for what lies ahead as I begin my ministry as Bishop of Gloucester.  I am looking forward to encouraging Christians to speak out with confidence about their faith and the good news that the Gospel brings,” Rachel said.

“My calling to the role of bishop has been shaped by human encounter. I believe profoundly that relationship is at the heart of who God is. I have been with people through the joys and pains of their lives and it is these experiences that I will reflect upon as I take up this new role.”