Reverend Libby Lane becomes first woman bishop in the Church of England

Reverend Libby Lane has become the first woman bishop in the Church of England.

She will be consecrated as the 8th Bishop of Stockport at a ceremony at York Minister on 26 January 2015 and serve as a suffragan (assistant) bishop in the Diocese of Chester.

"I am grateful for, though somewhat daunted by, the confidence placed in me by the Diocese of Chester," 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 church faces wonderful opportunities, to proclaim afresh, in this generation, the Good News of Jesus and to build His Kingdom.

"The Church of England is called to serve all the people of this country, and being present in every community, we communicate our faith best when our lives build up the lives of others, especially the most vulnerable. I am excited by the possibilities and challenges ahead."

Lane was ordained as 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 and St. Elizabeth's Ashley.

She is one of eight clergy women from the Church of England elected as Participant Observers in the House of Bishops, as the representative from the dioceses of the North West.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: "I am absolutely delighted that Libby has been appointed to succeed Bishop Robert Atwell as Bishop of Stockport.

£Her Christ-centred life, calmness and clear determination to serve the church and the community make her a wonderful choice.

"She will be bishop in a diocese that has been outstanding in its development of people, and she will make a major contribution. She and her family will be in my prayers during the initial excitement, and the pressures of moving".

The nomination of Lane as the new Bishop of Stockport was approved by the Queen and means she succeeds Reverend Robert Atwell, who is now the Bishop of Exeter.