First ever female bishop for the Church of England announced

Reverend Libby Lane has recently become the first female bishop for the Church of England.

18:03 17 December 2014

Reverend Libby Lane has made history after she was declared as Church of England’s first female bishop. The announcement was made just a month after a historic change to canon law.

Mrs Lane, who has been the vicar at St Peter’s Hale and St Elizabeth’s Ashley since 2007, will become the new Bishop of Stockport, a post that has been vacant since May. Her appointment marked the end of centuries of male leadership within the Church.

"This is unexpected and very exciting," she said.

"I'm honoured and thankful to be called to serve as the next Bishop of Stockport and not a little daunted to be entrusted with such a ministry."

Prime Minister David Cameron congratulated Mrs Lane and said: "This is an historic appointment and an important step forward for the Church towards greater equality in its senior positions".

Mrs Lane, whose husband is also a priest, was ordained a deacon in 1993 and a priest in 1994. Since 2010, she has also held the role of Dean of Women in Ministry for the diocese of Chester.