[Lambeth Palace press release] Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has welcomed the appointment of a new leadership to the Anglican Alliance, the body which brings together Anglican churches and agencies to support development, relief and advocacy work.

The Most Rev. Albert Chama, archbishop of Central Africa and Chair of the Anglican Alliance, announced the appointment of the Rev. Rachel Carnegie, currently the archbishop of Canterbury’s international development secretary, and the Rev. Andrew Bowerman as the alliance’s new joint executive directors. Archbishop Justin said he was “delighted” about the new appointments, saying they would give “firm foundations” for the alliance’s mission around the Angican Communion, and also support his own ministry. The new directors, both internationally recognised development professionals, will share the role of strengthening the alliance’s work on development, relief and advocacy across the Anglican Communion.

Archbishop Justin said: “I am delighted about this really creative appointment, and wish Rachel and Andy every blessing in this key role, which I am keen to support. I should also like to pay tribute to Sally Keeble, the first Director of the Anglican Alliance, for all that she has done to get this initiative off the ground, With these firm foundations, I believe that the Alliance will continue to make a valuable contribution to the life and mission of the Communion, including my own ministry.”

Chama said the appointments mark the start of “a new and exciting stage” of the Alliance’s development as it responds to global challenges of poverty “in our fast-changing world”. He added: “It is a key mission of our church to respond to people in need and transform unjust structures, witnessing to the love of God.”Revd Rachel Carnegie has over 20 years experience in international development, particularly in Africa and South Asia, with faith-based and international humanitarian organizations, including Tearfund, Save the Children and Unicef.

Bowerman, mission rector at Wareham Team Ministry in Dorset, has long experience in poverty, advocacy and disability and HIV and Aids in the UK and internationally. Founded after a recommendation at the 2008 Lambeth Conference, the Alliance now has regional offices in Africa, Asia, the Pacific and Latin America, and the Caribbean.

In a joint statement they promised to “nurture collaboration as the Alliance draws people together to imagine and help create a just and sustainable world where humanity flourishes.”

Founded after a recommendation at the 2008 Lambeth Conference, the Alliance now has regional offices in Africa, Asia, the Pacific and Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Read more on the Anglican Alliance website