New bishop appointed for Hexham

Father Cunningham has been administrator of the vacant diocese for the past 10 months and was told in December that he had been appointed, with the news made public by Pope Benedict XVI yesterday.

Last night the Irish-born priest, who has served the parish of St Oswin's, Tynemouth, and St Mary's, Cullercoats, for more than 20 years, said he was shocked and stunned by the decision and admitted to having a few sleepless nights.

He added that very few Irish priests had been appointed bishops in England and Wales. "Although I was surprised to be asked to undertake this task, I am glad that the diocese will not have to face another change of style within very few years," Fr Cunningham said.

"I hope to start by continuing Bishop Kevin's initiatives before seeking anew what will be best at this time to meet the many challenges in spreading the gospel today and working with other church bodies and the civil authorities."
He has completed almost 43 years priestly service to the diocese, having been ordained priest for the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle on June 12, 1966.

Fr Cunningham said he wanted to put an emphasis on spiritual formulation and that he wanted his priests to spend more time in the community, at a time when it was becoming difficult to fill parishes.

He also added that the current economic difficulties the nation was facing were alarming but that it was important not to point the finger and blame individuals and to work together to support each other.

He added: "Obviously I find the whole thing quite alarming and frightening and when I see all this going on around me I think of my own family.

"I have 29 nephews and nieces and they have mortgages and I'm very anxious and worried.

"I think it's important for us not to point the finger and blame certain individuals for this. I think we are all in it together. We should try to encourage each other and support each other."