Church of England appoints Libby Lane as first female bishop

The first female bishop has been ordained by the Church of England during a ceremony at York Minster that was interrupted by a protesting vicar.

Libby Lane, 48, became the new Bishop of Stockport following legislation adopted last year to allow female bishops for the first time since the Church's foundation by King Henry VIII in 1534.

 

During the ceremony, the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, asked the congregation if it was their will that Bishop Lane be ordained. In response, a protester stepped forward and shouted "No. Not in my name."

It is believed the protester was the Rev Paul Williamson, who previously objected to the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla.

Bishop Lane, 48, had been vicar of St Peter’s Hale and St Elizabeth’s Ashley in Greater Manchester since April 2007. Her consecration – the process of being made holy – was a two-hour service attended by an estimated 1,000 people.