New bishop chosen after 'lock-in'

The Most Reverend Dr Barry Morgan and the Very Reverend John Davies

The Dean of Brecon Cathedral has been elected as the new Bishop of Swansea and Brecon after a "lock-in" meeting of the Electoral College.

News of the Very Reverend John Davies's election was announced on the doorstep of Brecon Cathedral where the meeting had begun on Monday.

The father-of-two said it was a "great privilege" to try to fulfil the role.

The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, said Mr Davies knew the diocese well and was "very well respected".

Mr Davies's election follows the retirement of the Rt Rev Anthony Pierce earlier this month having served as bishop of the diocese since 1999.

The 54-year-old Dean, who will be the ninth Bishop of Swansea and Brecon said: "I am very honoured in the confidence that the college has placed in me in my election as Bishop of the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon.

"It is a great privilege, even if quite a daunting one, to try and fulfil the role."

'Well respected'

Dr Morgan said he was delighted to welcome Mr Davies, who has been Dean of Brecon since 2000.

He added: "He comes with experience not just of this diocese but of the Diocese of Monmouth and has endeared himself to congregations.

"He knows the diocese well and is very well respected.

"I have worked closely with him on the council of St Michael's College, Cardiff, and he will bring the same incisive mind and human approach to the Bench of Bishops of the Church in Wales."

Mr Davies qualified as a solicitor and specialised in criminal law before entering the ministry.

After his ordination in 1984, he became assistant curate of Chepstow and served in number of parishes in the Diocese of Monmouth.

He is married to Jo, a senior staff nurse in Cardiff, and has two children, Kate, 19, and Christopher, 17, who are both students.