Downing Street has announced that the Revd Paul Thomas will be the new Bishop of Oswestry in the Diocese of Lichfield.
Father Paul is currently the Vicar of St James’s Church in Paddington, London.
As Bishop of Oswestry, he will minister to Traditional Catholic parishes in Lichfield and the other dioceses of the West Midlands and South West of England – 13 dioceses in total.
He will live centrally in Lichfield Diocese to allow him easy access to transport networks as he supports churches across these dioceses.
Fr Paul said: “The call of the Church to serve God in this apostolic ministry is both humbling and exhilarating. I look forward to working in close and happy collegiality with Bishop Michael, his gifted brother and sister bishops in Lichfield Diocese, and with all bishops across the 13 dioceses that fall within the new See of Oswestry.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: “I am delighted to welcome Fr Paul Thomas as the new Bishop of Oswestry. In his new role he will have the support of being embedded with a strong diocesan team, while keeping his shared responsibility with Bishop Norman of Richborough for Traditional Catholics across the Province of Canterbury. I send my very best wishes and assurance of my prayers to Fr Paul, to all in Traditional Catholic parishes, and all in the Diocese of Lichfield.”