The Archdeacon of Nottingham is set to become the new Bishop of Barking after being nominated by the Queen.
The Venerable Peter Hill will be consecrated at St Paul's Cathedral on Friday, July 25.
It means Mr Hill will leave his role in Nottingham – which he has held since 2007.
He replaces the Right Reverend David Hawkins, who retired from the position at the end of March.
Mr Hill said: "The call of God to be a bishop has come unexpectedly and I am both excited and daunted by the task that lies ahead.
"It is a privilege to be joining a diocese which is on the move with God and is celebrating 100 years of mission and ministry.
"I am energised and challenged by its vision and determination to be a transforming presence for Jesus in people's lives and communities."
The area Mr Hill will be responsible for includes the London boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest, together with the Epping Forest and the Harlow districts of west Essex.
There are 166 churches in the area – which has a population of 1.3 million and includes a wide mix of ethnic groups and cultures.
Mr Hill said: "As Bishop of Barking I very much look forward to taking a lead in the Episcopal Area with its rich diversity of faiths and culture, and engaging fully in its public life.
"It will be great working alongside a strong and creative leadership team as we build on the past and work to re-imagine the ministry and service of the church for the future."
Mr Hill was previously a vicar of Huthwaite and later of Calverton before becoming Archdeacon.
As a former teacher, he was a member of the Dearing Review Group on church schools, and is chair of the Diocesan Board of Education. He also serves nationally on the General Synod.
Mr Hill is married to Ellen and they have two grown-up children and two grandsons.
He is also a sport and outdoor enthusiast, having completed a number of long-distance pilgrim walks, and has led many pilgrimages to The Holy Land.
The Acting Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Right Reverend Richard Inwood, said: "I am delighted to hear that Peter Hill is to be the next Bishop of Barking.
"I have known Peter for many years and I am sure he will bring extensive experience and a warm pastoral heart to this role.
"He will be greatly missed here, where he has been an excellent Archdeacon, but he will go with the thanks, the love, and the prayers of the whole Diocese."
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, added: "Peter's thoughtful and imaginative leadership and oversight will bring wisdom and direction during this time of change and development.
"Peter comes with a huge and varied experience of leadership and ministry in the Church of England."
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