A former vicar of St Peter’s in Hale was today ordained as the first ever woman bishop in the Church of England.
Reverend Libby Lane, a 48-year-old mother of two, was consecrated as the eighth Bishop of Stockport in front of more than 1,000 people in a ceremony at York Minster.
The appointment became possible in November, when the Church ended decades of argument by formally adopting legislation allowing women bishops.
Below: Bishop Libby outside York Minister today
Archbishop of York John Sentamu led the two-hour service, which was briefly interrupted by Rev Paul Williamson, a long-standing opponent of women’s ordination.
His lone protest followed the Dr Sentamu asking the congregation whether it was “your will that she should be ordained?”
While the congregation replied ‘it is’, Rev Williamson moved towards the altar and shouted: “No, not in the Bible. With respect, Your Grace, I ask to speak on this absolute impediment, please.”
He stood awkwardly for a while before departing, as Dr Sentamu continued with the ceremony.
A Church of England spokesman said afterwards: “He’s got the right to protest but the contrast was between a lone voice protesting and a sea of voices affirming.”
Below: Bishop Libby during the consecration in York Minster
Rev Lane, who has been at St Peter’s since 2007, had beaten a number of prominent names who had been considered to be frontrunners for the role.
Speaking ahead of her consecration, she said the day would be very emotional.
She said: “It is a remarkable thing that this happens to me, and people have been very supportive of me personally, but actually this is about a moment in the Church’s history.”
Her husband, George, who was at the Minster today, is also a priest and is currently serving as a chaplain at Manchester Airport.
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: Bishop Libby is applauded outside York Minster, with husband George on the left
Watch: Rev Libby Lane after being appointed Bishop of Stockport
