One of the first women to become a priest in the Church in Wales has been nominated as assistant Bishop of Bangor.

Mary Stallard, who has served as archdeacon of Bangor for the past four years, will share the leadership of the diocese while the Bishop of Bangor, Andrew John, serves as archbishop of Wales.

Mary will be consecrated as a bishop at Bangor Cathedral on 26 February.

Archbishop Andrew said: “I am delighted Mary has agreed to take on operational responsibility for much of the life of our diocese to assist me while I take on the role of archbishop of Wales.

“Mary has a heart for ministry and leads with pastoral sensitivity, empathy and wisdom.

“She has a wealth of experience, having served in four of the church’s six dioceses, and across a range of specialisms.

“Her professional approach and strategic vision is well-known, and her appointment is a positive step for the diocese of Bangor.”

Archdeacon Mary said: “The call to be a Christian and to serve in ordained ministry as a deacon and a priest is one I’ve always found both exciting and a bit daunting.

“This new opportunity to explore and offer gifts for leadership as assistant bishop with the great team in Bangor feels like a big investment of trust.

“I will do my best to respond to this new call and to honour that trust, seeking to build on the work already begun to worship God, grow the church and love the world.”

Originally from Birmingham, Archdeacon Mary grew up in a vicarage.

Her father was a vicar and her mother a scientist, meaning she was raised in a home where asking questions about life and faith was encouraged.

Mary is married to reverend Andrew Sully, ministry area leader of Llandudno, and they have two grown-up daughters. Her hobbies include cooking, reading and running.