The Archbishop of York has paid tribute to Rowan Williams who has announced he is to step down as the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Speaking this morning, the favourite to succeed him said: “It is with great sadness that I received the news that the Archbishop of Canterbury will be stepping down at the end of this year.

“Our partnership in the gospel over the past six years has been the most creative period of my ministry. It has been life-giving to have led missions together, gone on retreats and prayed together.

In his company I have drunk deeply from the wells of God’s mercy and love and it has all been joyful. He is a real brother to me in Christ.

“The last decade has been a challenging time for the Church of England and the Anglican Communion. Thankfully, Archbishop Rowan is a remarkable and gifted leader who has strengthened the bonds of affection. Despite his courageous, tireless and holy endeavour, he has been much maligned by people who should have known better. For my part he has been God’s apostle for our time.

“His stepping down to pursue something he dearly loves – teaching and writing - is received with gratitude, as this will continue to be a blessing to the Church. I am delighted that he is not going far away and will continue to offer service to the Church of England and the wider Church in its witness to our society. May God’s blessing continue to be showered upon him.

“More will be said nearer his time of departure. For now, Archbishop Rowan, Jane and the family will remain in our prayers.”

The Right Reverend Justin Welby, Bishop of Durham, speaking early this morning while taking leave from an overseas business trip, said: "I only learnt of this news myself this morning.

"The Archbishop has brought a wealth of wisdom and spiritual guidance to the role over the last ten years to what is a very demanding job.

"He has been incredibly supportive to me personally in ministry and in the taking up of the job here in Durham. I would like to thank him for all his help, encouragement, guidance and spiritual leadership that he has brought to the role and I wish him every best wish his new role as Master of Magdalene College Cambridge."