The first woman bishop in the Church of England

The appointment of the first woman bishop in the Church of England has been announced.

Rev Libby Lane is to be Bishop of Stockport, suffragan to the Bishop of Chester.

There are reports in the Church Times, Guardian (and a profile), Independent, Telegraph and elsewhere.

From the Diocese of Chester:

Rev Libby Lane. The first woman bishop in the Church of England 

On the announcement being made of her new ministry as a suffragan (area) bishop,

Libby said: 

“It’s a great honour to be nominated as Bishop elect to the See of Stockport.
I am grateful for, though somewhat daunted by, the confidence placed in me by the Diocese of Chester. 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.

“It is a particular privilege to be nominated to serve as Bishop among people I have come to know and love over many years; in Stockport, in the Trafford and Cheshire East boroughs. The Diocese of Chester encompasses widely diverse communities, socially, economically, geographically—and the church is here for every one of them.
“I am encouraged by the affirmation and support of colleagues with whom I shall be working. And I am very aware of how great a resource we have in the clergy and people of the churches in this diocese, who every day by their actions make a difference for good.”

The Bishop of Chester, the Rt Revd Dr Peter Forster, said: 

“Libby has had a varied and distinguished ministry, and is currently a first-rate parish priest. She has already demonstrated her ability to contribute nationally through her representative role in the House of Bishops, on behalf of the north-west England dioceses.

“As the first woman bishop in the Church of England she will face many challenges as well as enjoying many opportunities to be an ambassador for Jesus Christ. I have no doubt that she has the gifts and determination to be an outstanding bishop. 

“I am delighted at her designation as Bishop of Stockport after a lengthy process of discernment across the Church of England and beyond.”

Channel 4 News puts Libby Lane's appointment in a global and multi-religious context: women are taking leading roles in Islam, Bhuddism, Judaism as well as Christianity, albeit generally at the very edges of each faith.