First Female Anglican Bishop Ordained: Protest At Bishop Libby Ordination

The Rev Libby Lane during her consecration service at York Minster (Photo: AFP)

The Church of England's first female bishop has been 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. The move ends centuries of all male leadership in the Church.

GRAPHITTI NEWS based on AFP reports learned the sole protest happened around an hour into the service as the 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", a man stepped forward near the altar and shouted: "No. Not in the Bible. With respect, Your Grace, I ask to speak on this absolute impediment, please."

Dr Sentamu read out a pre-prepared statement and repeated his question. There was no further interruption and the service continued.

After the litany and an ordination prayer, Rev Lane knelt before the Archbishop while he and the other bishops present laid their hands on her head.

Dr Sentamu presented the new bishop with a Bible and anointed her head. The congregation applauded as she was officially presented as the Bishop of Stockport.

A Church of England spokesman said the protester was Rev Paul Williamson.

The spokesman described Rev Williamson as a "serial protester" and said they were expecting him to attend.

He said: "He's got the right to protest but the contrast was between a lone voice protesting and a sea of voices affirming."

The new bishop entered York Minster at around 11am in a procession of clergy and ministers.

The Rev Libby Lane during a service at York Minster where she was consecrated as the eighth Bishop of Stockport

The Archbishop of York introduced the service and welcomed Mrs Lane and her family.

Mrs Lane was presented to be ordained and consecrated to the office of bishop by the Bishops of Exeter and Chester. She spoke to affirm and declare her belief in the faith and swore oaths of allegiance and canonical obedience. The oaths were followed by hymns, Bible readings and psalms before the ordination.

At the end if the two-hour service the new Bishop of Stockport left the Minster in a procession with Dr Sentamu.

She smiled at the congregation as they applauded.

Mrs Lane was named as the new bishop last month. The announcement came a month after the General Synod formally adopted legislation allowing women bishops.