The Church of England has consecrated its first
female bishop during a ceremony at York
Minster.
The Reverend Libby Lane, 48, has been
ordained as the new Bishop of Stockport in front
of more than 1,000 people.
The Church formally adopted legislation last
November to allow women bishops, following
decades of argument over women’s ordination.
Archbishop of York John Sentamu, who led the
service, said he had been “praying and working
for this day”.
During the two-hour service Dr Sentamu and
other bishops laid their hands on Mrs Lane and
prayed. This was followed by lengthy applause.
Writing in today’s Yorkshire Post the archbishop
said: “It is high time we had women bishops. I
have been praying and working for this day.
“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.”
However, in an indication that some Anglicans
still oppose women’s ordination, the service was
briefly delayed by an opponent of the changes.
The Rev Paul Williamson stepped forward
shouting “not in the Bible” after the Archbishop
of York asked the church if Mrs Lane should be
ordained as a bishop.
The second time Dr Sentamu asked the
congregation, there was no opposition and the
ceremony continued.
A Church of England spokesman said of Mr
Williamson, priest in charge of a church in
Hanworth, Middlesex: “He’s got the right to
protest but the contrast was between a lone
voice protesting and a sea of voices affirming.”
posted from Bloggeroid
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