Church of England announced in a historic appointment today that the Rev Libby Lane will become its first female bishop
Church of England announced in a historic appointment today that the Rev Libby Lane will become its first female bishop
Move marks the end of centuries of all-male leadership in the Church
The Church of England announced in a historic appointment today that the Rev Libby Lane will become its first female bishop.
The announcement comes a month after the General Synod formally adopted legislation in favour of women bishops.
Ms Lane, 48, has been appointed the new Bishop of Stockport, an assistant or suffragan bishop, in the diocese of Chester.
She will be consecrated as the 8th bishop of the town at a ceremony at York Minster on January 26.
She was ordained a priest in 1994 and has served a number of parish and chaplaincy roles in the north of England in the dioceses of Blackburn, York and Chester.
For the past eight years she has served as vicar of St Peter's, Hale, Greater Manchester, and St Elizabeth's, Ashley, Cheshire.
Ms Lane said: "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 move marks the end of centuries of all-male leadership in the Church.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Congratulations to the Rev Libby Lane on becoming the first woman bishop in the Church. An historic appointment and important day for equality."
Move marks the end of centuries of all-male leadership in the Church
The Church of England announced in a historic appointment today that the Rev Libby Lane will become its first female bishop.
The announcement comes a month after the General Synod formally adopted legislation in favour of women bishops.
Ms Lane, 48, has been appointed the new Bishop of Stockport, an assistant or suffragan bishop, in the diocese of Chester.
She will be consecrated as the 8th bishop of the town at a ceremony at York Minster on January 26.
She was ordained a priest in 1994 and has served a number of parish and chaplaincy roles in the north of England in the dioceses of Blackburn, York and Chester.
For the past eight years she has served as vicar of St Peter's, Hale, Greater Manchester, and St Elizabeth's, Ashley, Cheshire.
Ms Lane said: "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 move marks the end of centuries of all-male leadership in the Church.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Congratulations to the Rev Libby Lane on becoming the first woman bishop in the Church. An historic appointment and important day for equality."