The new general secretary of Churches Together in England (CTE) has been announced as Baptist minister Rev Dr Paul Goodliff.

CTE is part of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and represents 46 member churches ranging from the Coptic Orthodox Church to the Assemblies of God.

Goodliff has wide experience in ecumenical relations and has served on the World Council of Churches-Pentecostal Joint Consultative Group since 2000. He was formerly the head of ministry for the Baptist Union of Great Britain and has written several books on pastoral care.

He said: 'At a time of renewed commitment to the ecumenical process, with a more missional focus to the work as Churches Together in England, I am looking forward immensely to participating in this new chapter of the ecumenical life in England.

'It is a privilege to be able to offer some leadership to this process, as together CTE serves the churches of this land.'

He continued, 'As the ecumenical movement in England embraces the mission of God to make Christ known in word and deed, I am certain we discover more of what that that transformative discipleship means together than when we do so alone, always trusting in the gracious enabling of the Holy Spirit'.

The Convenor of CTE's Board of Trustees, Rev Ruth Bottoms, said: 'I am delighted that we have been able to appoint someone who has a breadth of ecumenical experience. Paul is an able communicator and has a passion for enabling the churches to engage together as they seek to bear witness to Christ in our nation. I look forward to working alongside him.'

Goodliff will take up his appointment in September following the retirement of the present general secretary Rev Dr David Cornick.