We are pleased to receive the news Rev Dr Woyin Karowei Dorgu will be the next bishop of Woolwich (Report, 21 December). We congratulate Dr Dorgu and the diocese of Southwark on this decision. We have no doubt that Dr Dorgu, through his skills, experience and background, will enrich the leadership team of the diocese and add to its effectiveness in God’s mission. The Anglican Minority Ethnic Network (Amen) has been a strong advocate for greater diversity in the senior leadership of the Church of England, primarily because we believe it makes the church more effective in its mission. A diverse senior leadership team pulls experience and skills from a more diverse background, which experience shows makes for better teams and stronger leadership. Diversity at the very top also shows people inside and outside the church that we are a church for everyone.

Sadly, even with this appointment, the C of E is still well behind where it should be on this issue. So we hope that this would be one of many. Much more needs to be done to correct the church’s weakness in the area of ethnic diversity in leadership and redress the 20-year gap before this appointment was made.

Rev Shemil Mathew

Secretary, Amen