The identity of the Isle of Man’s new bishop was announced today.

The Venerable Peter Andrew Eagles’s appointment as the Bishop of Sodor and Man was announced by Downing Street today.

As the top clergyman in the Church of England in the Isle of Man, he is a lawmaker, with an automatic seat on Legislative Council and Tynwald.

The 57-year-old is currently archdeacon for the army and also deputy chaplain-general of the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department.

He said: ’I am both thrilled and deeply honoured to be coming to the Diocese of Sodor and Man.

’My hope is that I may support the people of the Isle of Man in their spiritual and historic identity and in looking confidently to the future.

’Among many other tasks, the bishop is to be chief pastor, a focus of unity, and a leader of mission

’I therefore hope to encourage all Christians on the island, to support everyone who lives here, and to lead the church in its work of caring for people in every community.’

In a statement from the Church of England, the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu said: ’I am delighted that the Venerable Peter Eagles has been nominated to serve Bishop of Sodor and Man.

’Peter brings a wealth of experience in parish ministry and in army chaplaincy, and has many spiritual gifts to help him lead the church forward in the mission of God in the diocese to which he has been called.

’The Diocese of Sodor and Man can look forward to working with a bishop who will lead in the way of Christ with insight and oversight with a readiness to lead and be led. My prayers are with Peter and his family as they prepare to move to the Isle of Man. May they know the grace and power of the Holy Spirit strengthening them for all that lies ahead.’

The Right Revd Nigel Stock, Bishop at Lambeth and Bishop to the Forces, said: ’Peter Eagles has been a superb colleague over the time that I have been bishop to the forces.

’Always considerate, he has been a great support to his fellow chaplains as Archdeacon to the army.

’His learning is worn lightly but is very impressive. He is a man of prayer with a pastoral heart, but unafraid to face challenges. I know that he will be a highly effective bishop and that the people of Sodor and Man will be very well served.’

Mr Eagles is today meeting Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney at Government House and government ministers.

The Venerable Peter Eagles has been ordained for 27 years and has been archdeacon to the army since 2011, and deputy chaplain general since 2014. He trained at St Stephen’s House, Oxford, after completing a degree at King’s College, London.

After serving as a curate in Middlesex he became an army chaplain in 1992. In 2013 he was appointed as an honorary chaplain to the Queen and in 2015 was appointed honorary canon of Salisbury Cathedral.

He is married to Gail and they have one adult son.