Christian leaders welcome the appointment

3 April 2009

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams:

"I am delighted to welcome the news of Archbishop Vincent Nichols' appointment to succeed His Eminence Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor as Archbishop of Westminster.

"He is a thoroughly experienced pastor, already well-known and much appreciated in the archdiocese, with a proven commitment to Christian education, ecumenical co-operation and shared Christian witness to our society. I look forward greatly to working more closely with someone who is already a valued friend and colleague.

"I am confident that we shall be able to continue the warm and close relations between our churches that have developed over recent years, and I wish him every blessing and success in this new ministry."


Archbishop Patrick Kelly, the vice-president of the Bishops' Conference:

"I know that there are very many people in Liverpool who will rejoice at the appointment of Archbishop Vincent Nichols as Archbishop of Westminster. Some will remember him from his very early days in Crosby, others as a priest serving in the Archdiocese and others still in his work at the Upholland Northern Institute.

" It was in those days that I first knew him and above all began to be very grateful for his many gifts. During my own ministry as a Bishop he was one of those who served us all as the General Secretary of the Bishops' Conference. As many of you know I spent 18 years in Birmingham and it was a joy for me when he was appointed to that Archdiocese which for so long was my home.

"I know that I can assure him of your prayers and I will also make a point very early and as soon as practically possible of inviting him back to his home Archdiocese so that we can fittingly welcome him, pray for him and rejoice with him."


Chris Bain, director of Cafod:

"Archbishop Nichols always speaks honestly and has been very encouraging of Cafod's work for many years. He travelled with us to Albania in 1995 where he met ex-political prisoners, including Cardinal Mikel Kaloqui, the 92 year-old priest made a Cardinal in 1994 after 42 years in prison. He described it as a visit he'll never forget.

"As the Archbishop of Birmingham, Vincent Nichols has lead one of England's largest diocese. He is known for having a good understanding of young people and has been inspirational in engaging them in the Church.

"Archbishop Nichols is also known for his work in international development, with a special interest in justice and peace issues. In 1986 he visited war-torn communities in Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador where Cafod partners continue pressing for human rights; work spearheaded by the Archbishop of El Salvador, Oscar Romero, assassinated in 1980 for this work.

"Archbishop Nichols is the patron of Cafod's Live Simply project which challenges people to examine their lifestyles and to choose to live simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the poor.

"We look forward to working closely with him again on international development issues, when his voice can make a big impact and help raise awareness of poverty and suffering abroad."


The Rt Revd David Urquhart, the Anglican Bishop of Birmingham:

"He is an outstanding Christian pastor and teacher with a gift for communicating Gospel values in public life. I have enjoyed working closely with the Archbishop Vincent Nichols in Birmingham as a fellow President of Churches Together and as part of the Faith Leaders Group. We will miss his wisdom and compassionate leadership. I am most grateful for his support and friendship and am sure we shall keep in touch."