The first woman bishop in the history of the Church of England was today officially consecrated – but the ceremony at York Minster was disrupted by a protesting vicar.
The Reverend Libby Lane became the Bishop of Stockport in a service conducted by the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu.
The historic event was briefly interrupted by the appearance of an ultra-conservative priest, Rev Paul Williamson, shouting ‘Not in the Bible’ as she was presented to the congregation.
Rev Paul Williamson, an outspoken opponent of women in the church, heckled the ceremony
Rev Williamson interrupted the ceremony by shouting ‘Not in the Bible’. A Church of England spokesman said his attempt to disrupt the ceremony was ‘expected’
Disruption: Rev Paul Williamson, circled, shouted ‘Not in the Bible’ during the consecration service
Historic: Mrs Lane, centre, entering York Minster for a service consecrating her as Bishop of Stockport
First: Rev Libby Lane today became a bishop in the Church of England, overturning five centuries of tradition
A Church of England spokesman described him as a ‘serial protester’ who had been expected to attend.
He said: ‘He’s got the right to protest but the contrast was between a lone voice protesting and a sea of voices affirming.’
Rev Williamson, priest in charge at St George’s Church, Hanwell, London, has previously mounted several legal challenges against women in the church.
Mrs Lane, an Oxford-educated mother of two, was appointed as a bishop last month, in a historic move which ends five centuries of all-male leadership in the church.
That announcement came just weeks after the General Synod formally adopted legislation allowing women to take the role, following years of furious debate on the issue.
Emerging: Mrs Lane comes out of the church after being officially consecrated as a bishop
Gathered together: Mrs Lane with the Archbishops of York and Canterbury after the service
Congratulations: The new bishop hugs another priest during the ceremony
At today’s service – described by the new bishop as ‘an occasion of prayer and of party’ – Mrs Lane, 48, was greeted by the ringing bells of the medieval Minster as a congregation of 2,000 awaited her arrival.
She entered the cathedral through the south door in a procession with other ministers and members of the clergy.
The Archbishop of York introduced the service and welcomed Mrs Lane and her family before she was presented to be ordained and consecrated by the Bishops of Exeter and Chester.
She spoke to affirm her faith and swore oaths of allegiance and canonical obedience, followed by hymns, Bible readings and psalms.
As Dr Sentamu asked the congregation if they wanted Ms Lane to be ordained, Mr Williamson stepped forward to the altar and shouted: ‘No. Not in the Bible,’ demanding to speak to the prelate.
Support: The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, gives a thumbs-up sign outside the cathedral
Shepherd: Mrs Lane with other female priests outside York Minster following the service
Archbishop: Dr Sentamu, centre, oversaw the service which was attended by 2,000 people
The Archbishop read out a pre-prepared legal statement then repeated his question, ‘Is it now your will that she should be ordained?’
The congregation replied, ‘It is,’ and the service continued despite the disruption.
After the litany and an ordination prayer, Rev Lane knelt before the Archbishop while he and 100 other bishops present laid their hands on her head.
Dr Sentamu presented the new bishop with a Bible and anointed her head. The congregation applauded as she was officially presented as the Bishop of Stockport.
Mr Williamson, the vicar of St George’s, Hanworth in south-west London, is a well-known campaigner against female priests who tried to launch a lawsuit stopped Prince Charles from marrying Camilla Parker Bowles.
credit: omojuwa
