Bishop of Gloucester Rt Revd Rachel Treweek will become the first female bishop to represent the Church of England in the House of Lords after a change in the law last year.
She has been fast tracked into the upper chamber because of new rules aimed at balancing the number of men and women representing the church in the House quickly.
The 52 year old's appointment, which comes after Rt Revd Michael Perham retired in November, meant she was the first woman to run a diocese and is one rank below archbishop.
She said she was "excited and full of anticipation and joy for what lies ahead" as she began her ministry as Bishop of Gloucester.
"I am looking forward to encouraging Christians to speak out with confidence about their faith and the good news that the Gospel brings," she said.
Speaking to Premier at the time of her appointed she said: "I hope that I will be able to use my voice, my eyes, my ears to be able to contribute to the structure of governance in our country and to speak as a follower of Christ into that."
Bishop of Gloucester Rt Revd Rachel Treweek speaking to Premier's Antony Bushfield at the time of her appointment:
