Advertisement

Both of Cumbria's bishops attend consecration of first female bishop

Both of Cumbria's bishops attended the consecration of Bishop Lane Credit: PA

Both of Cumbria’s bishops, the Bishop of Carlisle and the Bishop of Penrith, are attending today’s consecration of the Church of England’s first woman bishop.

It follows the announcement, in December, that the Rev’d Libby Lane had been confirmed as the 8th Bishop of Stockport.

The decision has been the subject of dispute, and both bishops have expressed hope that Christian's from opposite sides of the debate will move forward with love.

“This is a day of great joy for Libby, for her family, and for many in the Church and I pray that she will be blessed in her new role.

“It is a day of great significance for us as a Church and follows many years of careful discussion and consultation, conducted throughout with great Christian love and charity.

“As we gather for Libby’s Consecration, we do so in the knowledge that the issue of women bishops has created some divisions. While we celebrate with Libby today we also reach out in love, respect and support to our brothers and sisters in Christ who may hold differing views.”

– Rt Rev’d James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle

Last year the Church of England's General Synod ratified the Canon to allow women to become bishops.