First Female Bishop Ordained. On Jan. 26, 2015, Libby Lane made history when she became the Church of England’s first female bishop. She was ordained the Bishop of Stockport and serves in the Diocese of Chester, which is located in central England. The ceremony took place at York Minister Cathedral with Dr. John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, presiding. Her consecration comes 21 years after the Church of England started allowing women to become priests. Female bishops were not permitted until July 2014 when a measure was passed by the General Synod, the Church of England’s legislative body. It had first been submitted in 2012, but was defeated at the time.
Interesting Facts About Libby Lane
- She studied theology at Oxford University and Cranmer Hall seminary.
- Her husband, George Lane, is also a priest and chaplain at Manchester Airport.
- The Lanes were one of the first married couples to be simultaneously ordained.
- The pair has two children; Connie age 20 and Benedict age 18.
- Prime Minister David Cameron said Lane’s appointment was “historic” and “an important step forward for the Church towards greater equality in its senior positions.”
- She roots for the Manchester United soccer team and plays the saxophone.
A Historic Ceremony
Over 1,000 people attended Mrs. Lane’s two-hour consecration service including Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury. More than 100 church officials from England and the worldwide Anglican community were also present. A number of the most significant parts of the ceremony were performed by women.
Mrs. Lane was quoted as saying, “Thinking about it, it’s very emotional. It is a remarkable thing that this happens to be me … but actually this is about a moment in the church’s history.”
A Lone Protestor
There was one moment of protest during the service. When Dr. John Sentamu asked the congregation if Mrs. Lane should be ordained as bishop, the Reverend Paul Williamson shouted “No! Not in the Bible.” He also said Mrs. Lane’s gender was an “absolute impediment” before storming out of the church. After Dr. Sentamu, who holds the second most senior position in the church after the Archbishop of Canterbury, thoroughly explained the legislation permitting women to become bishops, he posed the question again. This time there was no opposition and the service proceeded without further interruption.
The Archbishop stated, “It is high time we had women bishops. I have been praying and working for this day.” He continued, “In a few years’ time when more and more women will be bishops, I predict we shall be wondering how we ever managed without them.
Worldwide Anglican Church
The Church of England is part of the international association known as the Anglican Church. The Archbishop of Canterbury is recognized as its senior cleric and leader. He also holds the unique distinction of being the individual who crowns English Kings and Queens. Many Anglicans live in English speaking countries including Great Britain, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. There are also practicing Anglicans throughout Asia and Africa. In the U.S. Anglicans are called “Episcopalians.”
The Role of Women in the Church
There are three special roles in the Anglican Church; bishop, priest and deacon with bishop being the highest. The positions women are permitted to fill vary by country. The majority of places permit women to at least become priests and deacons. However, there are some such as Nigeria and Papua New Guinea that do not allow the ordination of women at all. The United States was the first country to allow the consecration of female bishops. Barbara Harris was the first in 1989.
The ordination of Libby Lane as a female bishop is a milestone not only for the Church of England, but gender equality in general. Her example can be an inspiration for women everywhere.