Protesting priest shouting 'Not in the Bible' disrupts consecration of first female bishop

Protesting priest shouting 'Not in the Bible' disrupts consecration of first female bishop in the Church of England at York Minster

• Rev Libby Lane, 48, was today consecrated as the Bishop of Stockport
• Service at York Minster was led by the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu
• Dissident priest Rev Paul Williamson interrupted the service shouting 'Not in the Bible'
• CofE spokesman said he was 'serial protester expected to attend'
• Rev Williamson has previously mounted several legal challenges against women in the church
• Mrs Lane's appointment came after years of furious argument over the possibility of female bishops
• She is married to another vicar and is a mother of two

By HUGO GYE FOR MAILONLINE

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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. 

Man objects to Libby Lane's consecration as first female bishop

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Joy: Rev Libby Lane with the Archbishop of York after being consecrated as Bishop of Stockport

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Rev Paul Williamson, an outspoken opponent of women in the church, heckled the ceremony

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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'

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Disruption: Rev Paul Williamson, circled, shouted 'Not in the Bible' during the consecration service

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Historic: Mrs Lane, centre, entering York Minster for a service consecrating her as Bishop of Stockport

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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.