He took up the post of Bishop of Durham in November 2011 and worked as Dr Williams' special envoy to Africa, attempting to build unity between Christian and Muslim communities in Nigeria.
The adoption of slogans and symbols of Muslim-Christian unity is particularly important in a context where the Coptic community has been the target of a recent series of deadly attacks.
The balance between the two main parties, the National Liberation Party and the ruling Social ChristianUnity Party, has lent the country a political stability that is the envy of its neighbours.
Some argued that the Bible teaches that only men can lead the Church, others were concerned that allowing women bishops would create deeper rifts with the Catholic Church at a time when Christianunity is needed.