THE BISHOP of Sherborne is leaving his post to take up a new role.

The Rt Rev Dr Graham Kings, who was appointed Bishop of Sherborne in 2009, will be taking up the mantle as mission theologian in the Anglican Communion.

The seven-year post was created by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Church Mission Society (CMS) and Durham University, where Dr Kings will be an honorary fellow.

Dr Kings will based in London but will convene a series of seminars in Anglican communion studies, particularly in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

He said: "I am amazed at this creative post, and give thanks to God. I am also deeply grateful to the Archbishop of Canterbury, CMS and Durham University and to the wide range of supporting donors."

He added: "Henry Venn, the great 19th century general secretary of CMS, talked of self-supporting, self-governing and self-extending churches throughout the world. For many years, more recently, there has been a fourth self; self-theologising.

"It is these voices which need to be heard more clearly throughout the Communion."

The Archbishop of Canterbury said he too was delighted with the partnership.

He said: "It is very gratifying that the concept of a mission theologian in the Anglican Communion has attracted the necessary support to get to this stage where the post can be established."

He added: "I know that the Anglican Communion has many gifted theologians and it is so important that their voice is heard more widely. I am glad that Bishop Graham's experience and knowledge of the Communion is being made so generously available and I shall encourage the development of this project with a keen interest."

The Rt Rev Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury, thanked Dr Kings for his service over the past six years.

He said: "I am very grateful for all that Bishop Graham has contributed to the Diocese of Salisbury as Bishop of Sherborne. This new post makes very good use of his experience, knowledge and skills."

Funds for the new role have largely come from private donors, various traditions in the world-wide Church of God, as well as from the Church Mission Society.

A farewell celebration for Dr Kings will be held at Salisbury Cathedral during Evensong on Sunday, April 19.