[Lambeth Palace press release] Lambeth Palace has announced the appointment of Ruth Mawhinney as head of media to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Mawhinney is currently editor of Christian Today.

This is a new role which will oversee day-to-day contact with the media and provide the archbishop with regular advice and guidance. The archbishop’s communications team at Lambeth, led by Director of Communications Ailsa Anderson, remains a total of three people.

Mawhinney started her career on the Baptist Times before becoming deputy editor and then editor of Christianity Magazine. She has also advised charities such as Home for Good, Youthscape and Just Love on communications.

She will take up her new role at the end of January.

Mail on Sunday journalist Jonathan Petre, who was originally offered this position, decided to withdraw due to personal family reasons.

Welby said: “I am delighted that Ruth will be joining our communications team at Lambeth Palace. As an experienced journalist and practicing Christian, she will understand the unique and guiding role that faith can play in both personal and professional life.”

Mawhinney said: “’I’m thrilled to be taking up this role and joining the excellent team at Lambeth Palace. In this time of global uncertainty I believe Archbishop Justin Welby provides a much-needed voice of hope and reason. I’m also looking forward to using the skills gained in my years as a journalist and editor to help the Archbishop communicate his three priorities of evangelism, prayer and reconciliation.”