THE time spent by the Bishop of Durham participating in Coventry Cathedral's Ministry of Reconciliation will stand him in good stead for his new role, according to a vicar who knows him.

The Reverend Richard Deimel, of the Escomb group of parishes, has known the Right Reverend Justin Welby since they were both vicars in the Coventry Diocese in the 1990s.

“I have known him for quite a long time and as a colleague and always found him very easy to get on with.”

The Ministry of Reconciliation dates back to the destruction of Coventry Cathedral in the Second World War and its ongoing work has involved it in some of the world's most difficult and longstanding areas of conflict.

“This allows people to disagree in a way which is not destructive,” explained Rev Deimel.

He added: “Bishop Welby has a real commitment to that and this is going to be very important in his new position with divisions in the world wide church and in our own country.

“It is a tough time for the church but I am confident he will be successful in creating an atmosphere in which people can work together.”

Bishop Welby visited the Escomb group of parishes – which comprises St James's, near Hamsterley, Etherley, Escomb, Witton Park and Witton-le-Wear – just as he was emerging as a front runner to be Archbishop of Canterbury.

He was guest speaker at St James's as part of Back to Church Sunday, a national event to encourage worshipers new and old to return to church.

Many shoppers in Bishop Auckland have never him but they were keen to wish the Rev Welby well and were proud of his work in the North East.

“It is nice to see Durham and Bishop Auckland put on the map,” said Frank Best, 61, of Coundon. “He hasn’t really had time to make his mark but I hope he remembers his roots.”

Edna Stephenson, 76, of Spennymoor, said: “I wish he had stayed for a bit longer but I am pleased with what he has done.”

Karen Hopper, 49, of Bishop Auckland, said: “I wish him the best of look. He wasn’t here for so long but hopefully we will be able to secure his replacement for a while longer.”

Tom Crook, 68, of Bishop Auckland, said: “I think they have gone for a more lenient man, they have gone for a more liberal approach.

“He will listen a lot more to people. I think he will make a good Arch Bishop. He had to take the opportunity when he could, fair play to the man.”

Norman Long, 75, from Coundon added: “I think he is a good man for the job he will sit down and talk to people. He has done the right thing if he thinks it will benefit the church.

“If the next one follows on from this one everybody will be happy.”