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The Next Bishop of Stockport

Adapted from the Church of England’s website

Downing Street today announced that the new Bishop of Stockport — and the first woman bishop in the Church of England — will be the Rev. Libby Lane, currently vicar of St. Peter’s, Hale, and St. Elizabeth’s, Ashley.

As Bishop of Stockport she will serve as a suffragan (assistant) bishop in the Diocese of Chester. She will be consecrated as the eighth Bishop of Stockport at a ceremony at York Minster on January 26.

Libby 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 of St. Peter’s Hale and St. Elizabeth’s Ashley.

She is one of eight clergywomen from the Church of England elected as participant observers in the House of Bishops, as the representative from the dioceses of the North West.

Speaking at Stockport Town Hall, she said:

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.

… The Most Rev. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, 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.

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