THE Church of England's first woman bishop will be consecrated in a historic service at York Minster next month.

The Rev Libby Lane, currently Vicar of St Peter's, Hale, and St Elizabeth's, Ashley, has today been named as Bishop of Stockport.

York Press:

Rev Libby Lane

Rev Lane was ordained as a priest in 1994 and has served a number of parish and chaplaincy roles in the North of England, including in the Diocese of York from 1996 to 1999.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said today: "It is with great joy that on January 26, 2015 - the feast of Timothy and Titus, companions of Paul - I will be in York Minster, presiding over the consecration of the Revd Libby Lane as Bishop Suffragan of Stockport.

"Libby brings a wealth of experience in parish ministry, in hospital and FE chaplaincy, in vocations work and the nurture of ordinands. I am delighted that she will exercise her episcopal ministry with joy, prayerfulness, and trust in God.

"When the General Synod rejected the previous proposals in November 2012, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, wrote to 'pour some balm on (my) wounded heart'. That year, he encouraged me, his province was finally celebrating the election of two women bishops. 'Be comforted', he said, 'it will come.'

"When I wrote to him last weekend to offer my prayers for his battle with prostate cancer, he replied with these words: 'Wonderful that you over there will soon have women bishops. Yippee! I know you have pushed for this for a long time. Yippee again!'

"Praise be to God in the highest heaven, and peace to all in England!"


The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Vivienne Faull, who had herself been tipped by some to become the first woman bishop, today welcomed the appointment of Rev Lane.

She said: "The announcement of the appointment of Reverend Libby Lane as the first female bishop in the Church of England is the wonderful culmination of a long and difficult journey for women in the church. 

"This is a new and exciting beginning for the Church as men and women of faith join together in the work of worship, ministry and mission.

“I know Reverend Libby Lane and I know that the people of the Diocese of Chester will be getting a capable, vibrant and extraordinary woman to support the ministry of the people of Stockport.

“I am delighted that Reverend Libby Lane has been appointed to a diocese in the Northern Province and the consecration will be held here at York Minster. We look forward to hosting this momentous and historic occasion.”

Speaking at Stockport town hall, where today's announcement was made, Rev 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."