A parish priest from Hale has today been unexpectedly named the first ever woman bishop in the Church of England.
Revd Libby Lane, currently Vicar of St Peter’s, Hale, and St Elizabeth’s, Ashley, is to be the next Bishop of Stockport.
The 48-year-old mother of two, who has been at St Peter’s since 2007, is a surprise choice and beat a number of prominent names thought to be frontrunners for the role.
Speaking at Stockport Town Hall, where her appointment was announced, the new Bishop of Stockport Libby Lane said: “I am grateful for, though somewhat daunted by, the confidence placed in me by the Diocese of Chester. This is unexpected and very exciting.
“On this historic day as the Church of England announces the first woman nominated to be Bishop, I am very conscious of all those who have gone before me, women and men, who for decades have looked forward to this moment. But most of all I am thankful to God.
“The church faces wonderful opportunities, to proclaim afresh, in this generation, the Good News of Jesus and to build His Kingdom. The Church of England is called to serve all the people of this country, and being present in every community, we communicate our faith best when our lives build up the lives of others, especially the most vulnerable. I am excited by the possibilities and challenges ahead.”
Below: Revd Libby Lane on becoming the first woman bishop in the Church of England
The historic appointment, which was a closely guarded secret, has been formally announced by Downing Street after approval by the Queen.
It comes just four weeks after the Church of England’s ruling General Synod formally enacted a change to canon law opening the episcopate to women for the first time.
Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: “Congratulations to Revd Libby Lane on becoming the first woman bishop in the Church. An historic appointment and important day for equality.”
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said that Revd Lane would bring a “wealth of experience in parish ministry”.
Revd Lane will be consecrated as the eighth Bishop of Stockport at a ceremony at York Minster on January 26th.
Her husband, George, is also a priest and is currently serving as a chaplain at Manchester Airport. The pair met at Oxford University and were the first married couple in the Church to be ordained together in 1994.
Born in Glossop and educated at Manchester High School for Girls, Revd Lane is a Manchester United fan and a keen saxophonist. She is also a governor at Bowdon Church School.
Below: Revd Lane speaking at Stockport Town Hall today
