SARAH MEYRICK has been appointed the next editor of the Church Times, succeeding Paul Handley, who is to retire at the end of September after nearly 30 years in the post (News, 10 May).

Ms Meyrick will be only the second woman to edit the paper, after Rosamund Essex (1950-60).

Ms Meyrick first joined the staff of the Church Times in 1995 as a reporter, and went on to be its first ever web editor, and, later, features editor.

She left in 2003 and went on to be Director of Communications for Oxford diocese, and Public Engagement Manager at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. She remained a frequent contributor to the paper, and has been the director of the Church Times Festival of Faith and Literature since its inception.

She rejoined the staff of the Church Times in January 2022 as assistant editor with a brief for public engagement.

Ms Meyrick said: “I’m very honoured to be taking the baton from Paul Handley as the next editor of the Church Times. I’m inheriting a very talented team, and it will be a privilege to work with them to serve our readers in the coming years.”

The Chief Executive of Hymns Ancient & Modern, Dominic Vaughan, said: “We had a very good response to our advertising for a new editor, and had a very high-calibre shortlist. I am extremely pleased that Sarah was chosen as the new editor, and am sure she will steer the Church Times safely through the next phase of development in these challenging times.”