Her appointment has been welcomed across the Church.
The Rt Revd Martyn Snow, Bishop of Tewkesbury:
"I am looking forward to working alongside Rachel as she takes up her ministry here in the Diocese of Gloucester. I am certain that Rachel will offer great encouragement to people to share their own faith and the love of Jesus Christ and I pray that under her guidance, the Diocese of Gloucester will grow and thrive."
The Venerable Jackie Searle, Archdeacon of Gloucester:
"Many of us have prayed and longed for the day that women might be bishops, so the news today gives us extra delight and is a cause for great celebration. Our new bishop brings a great deal of experience and wisdom; I believe she will be just right for our diocese and will be an inspiration to many."
The Venerable Robert Springett, Archdeacon of Cheltenham:
"We have in Rachel someone with a deep faith who will lead us with energy and vision as we seek to journey together and share the 'transforming gospel of Jesus Christ' in our parishes, chaplaincies and schools. We are in for an exciting time!"
The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Stockport:
"I congratulate Rachel on her nomination as Bishop of Gloucester. She is an exceptional priest whose leadership is well proven. She is both genuinely caring and deeply insightful. It has been an honour to serve alongside Rachel as Regional Representatives in the House of Bishops, and I rejoice that she takes her place there as of right."
The Most Revd Desmond Tutu, emeritus Archbishop of Cape Town:
"What fantastic news. Wow, how wonderful so soon after Bishop Libby. I'm thrilled for you dear Rachel and I'm thrilled for the Diocese of Gloucester, for the Church of England, for the Church of God and for all of us. Yippee."
The Bishop of London, Richard Chartres:
"As Richard of Gloucester is reinterred, Rachel of Gloucester is revealed. Rachel has served her entire ministry in the Diocese of London, excelling wherever she has been. While we are very sorry to see her go, Gloucester has appointed someone with real quality and distinction. We look forward to continuing to support her in the years to come."