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Dean’s delight as York Minster chosen to welcome first woman bishop

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The Dean of York, the Very Reverend, Vivienne Faull. Inset: Rev Libby Lane – Photograph: Church of England / Kippa Matthews
It will be an historic day for the Church – and for York Minster.

The first woman bishop in the Church of England will be consecrated in the Minster, it was announced on Wednesday (December 17). The Reverend Libby Lane has been appointed to the role of Bishop of Stockport, a move described as “wonderful” by the Dean of York:

“The announcement of the appointment of Reverend Libby Lane as the first female bishop in the Church of England is the wonderful culmination of a long and difficult journey for women in the church.

“This is a new and exciting beginning for the Church as men and women of faith join together in the work of worship, ministry and mission.

– The Dean of York, the Very Reverend, Vivienne Faull

Vivienne described the Reverend Libby Lane as a capable, vibrant and extraordinary woman.

“I am delighted that Reverend Libby Lane has been appointed to a diocese in the Northern Province and the consecration will be held here at York Minster. We look forward to hosting this momentous and historic occasion.”

‘Yippee! Yippee again!’

The Rev Lane will be consecrated as the 8th Bishop of Stockport at a ceremony at York Minster on Monday, January 26, 2015.

Presiding over the ceremony will be the Archbishop of York, who was thrilled by the news.

“When the General Synod rejected the previous proposals in November 2012, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, wrote to ‘pour some balm on (my) wounded heart’.

“That year, he encouraged me, his province was finally celebrating the election of two women bishops. ‘Be comforted’, he said, ‘it will come.’

“When I wrote to him last weekend to offer my prayers for his battle with prostate cancer, he replied with these words: ‘Wonderful that you over there will soon have women bishops. Yippee! I know you have pushed for this for a long time. Yippee again!'”

– the Most Revd Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York