Protest as female bishop is ordained
THE Church of England’s first female bishop was consecrated in a historic service which was disrupted by a lone protester.
The Reverend Libby Lane was ordained as the eighth Bishop of Stockport during a service at York Minster on Monday – ending centuries of all male leadership. But it was disrupted when Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, asked the congregation if it was their will that Rev Lane was ordained.
As the congregation of nearly 2,000 people replied “It is”, the Rev Paul Williamson stepped forward and shouted: “No. Not in my name. Not in the Bible.” Dr Sentamu repeated his question and there was no further interruption, allowing the consecration to go ahead.
Rev Lane is a mum-oftwo who has been vicar of St Peter’s in Hale and St Elizabeth’s in Ashley and is married to the Rev George Lane, 46, the Manchester Airport chaplain.
She will work in Macclesfield in her new role, including carrying out a service to welcome the new vicar at Sutton St James, Rev John Harries, on Monday, May 11.
She said: “I am grateful for the confidence placed in me by the Diocese of Chester. This is unexpected and very exciting.
“I am very conscious of all those who have gone before me. But most of all I am thankful to God.”