Lane, Libby (1966-…), in 2015 became the first woman bishop in the Church of England . Before becoming a bishop, Lane held several positions in Church of England dioceses (districts) in northern England . Throughout her ministry, she has been known for supporting social-action initiatives.
Elizabeth Jane Holden Lane was born in 1966 in Glossop, in central England. In 1989 and 1993, she received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from St. Peter’s College, Oxford University . Lane trained for the Anglican ministry at Cranmer Hall, a theological college at Durham University in England. She was ordained a deacon in the Church of England in 1993 and a priest in 1994, the first year the church allowed women to become priests. The Church of England is a member of the Anglican Communion .
From 1993 to 1996, Lane served as a curate (assistant priest) at St. James’ Blackburn church, in the Diocese of Blackburn. From 2000 to 2002, she was the family life officer for the Committee for Social Responsibility in the Diocese of Chester. Lane became a team vicar in Stockport , England, in 2002. A team vicar is part of a group of clergy who minister collectively to a group of churches. In 2007, Lane became vicar (parish minister) of St. Peter’s, Hale, and St. Elizabeth’s, Ashley, two churches in the Diocese of Chester . In 2010, she also began serving as Dean of Women in Ministry for the diocese. Lane was elected in 2013 as one of eight female clergy to act as “participant observers” in the all-male House of Bishops. During her career, she also has served as a school governor; a hospital and postsecondary school chaplain in the Diocese of York ; and assistant diocesan director of ordinands and a bishop-selection adviser for the Diocese of Chester. An ordinand is a candidate for the clergy.
In July 2014, the General Synod (national assembly) of the Church of England voted to allow women to become bishops. The synod’s decision became law in November, and Lane’s nomination was announced in December. She was consecrated (ordained) a bishop in January 2015. Lane was installed as bishop of Stockport in March. The bishop of Stockport is a suffragan (assistant) bishop in the Diocese of Chester. Other Anglican churches in a number of countries have consecrated women bishops since 1989.
Lane’s husband, George Lane, is also a priest. He and Libby were one of the first married couples to be ordained together in the Church of England.
