The United Reformed Church has appointed the Rev Roberta Rominger as its general secretary. She is the first woman to hold the post in the Church, or in any of its predecessor denominations.

Ms Rominger said, "I am passionate about the vision of a Church that is enthusiastically engaged with the world. I believe God speaks and acts in the world today. The Church's life should reflect this God, who is committed to hope, justice and human flourishing.

"Among the members of the United Reformed Church, are many creative, inspiring and intellectually and spiritually alive people. It is a privilege to be called to lead them."

Ms Rominger trained for ministry in the USA, and was ordained in California, in the United Church of Christ. She came to Britain in 1985 and has been a minister in the United Reformed Church ever since, serving as Moderator of the Thames North Synod for the past ten years.

She will take up the post in July, replacing the Rev Dr David Cornick, who is to become general secretary of Churches Together in England, an appointment that reflects the United Reformed Church commitment to ecumenism.

Ms Rominger is also an accomplished cellist, with a special love of chamber music.