The world and her husband was in York today as the Minster welcomed the first woman bishop into the Church of England.
Libby Lane will enter the cathedral as vicar of St Peter’s Hale and St Elizabeth’s Ashley in Chester – and leave it as the eighth Bishop of Stockport after a consecration service led by the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu.
More than 1,000 people were expected in the Minster as history was again made in the great church.
Over the weekend technicians from the BBC, which is covering the service, wired the Minster for sound and pictures. Footage from the consecration was expected to be seen around the Anglican world.
What’s happening when
The big day begins with a procession of supporting clergy and licensed minsters enters through the South Door at 10.30am.
A few minutes before the service begins Dean of York Minster the Very Reverend Vivienne Faull will welcome the congregation.
At 11am a bell will be rung to mark the start of the service. A procession of the great and good of the Minster and the Church of England follows before the Rev Libby Lane is presented to the congregation.
The Archbishop of York then reads the declaration of assent, and the Rev Lane takes the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Canonical Obedience.
Music from York Choir, prayers and hymns follow. Then the newly-ordained Bishop leaves the Minster with the Archbishop and is presented to the people.
The service is expected to end around 1pm.
Excitement in the Church
Today@York_Minster history is made as #BishopLibby is first woman to be consecrated Bishop in England.Thrilled to be joining in the service.
— John Sentamu (@JohnSentamu) January 26, 2015
Final rehearsals tonight @York_Minster for consecration of #BishopLibby pic.twitter.com/qEm5hnoft0
— Ravage Productions (@ravageprod) January 25, 2015
Good luck to #BishopLibby from @StPetersHale, who will today be ordained at @York_Minster as the first woman bishop pic.twitter.com/Ai5y6aORQC
— Cllr Alex Williams (@AlexWilliams175) January 26, 2015
#bishoplibby off for a glorious time in York: pic.twitter.com/BwZxdLxO0I
— Bishop Alan Wilson (@alantlwilson) January 26, 2015
6.30am at the High Altar – it is #BishopLibby consecration day! pic.twitter.com/I0Rr2sKFtN
— York Minster (@York_Minster) January 26, 2015
In purple for #BishopLibby – praying for a wonderful day of joy & love – history made today. @WATCH_ACT @c_of_e pic.twitter.com/gRq0KCT7f3
— Stephen ☩ (@revstephensorby) January 26, 2015