Confidence was the theme of Libby Lane's first sermon as a bishop in the Church of England when she was installed at Chester Cathedral today (Sunday, March 8).
The assured Bishop of Stockport, the UK's first woman bishop, preached not only about the importance of self confidence and trust in God but also a recognition of the trust and faith that God has in us.
Her message to a packed cathedral was met with laughter as she made reference to the hugely popular BBC One Sunday evening programme Call the Midwife. Archdeacon of York Sarah Bullock had mentioned the programme during her sermon in York Minster in January when Rev Lane was consecrated bishop.
Then the Venerable Sarah Bullock admitted to watching the series on 'catch-up' whilst doing the ironing but Libby admitted that she would be more likely to 'crash on the sofa with a large glass of wine' to watch the series finale tonight.
More than 1,500 people had queued to attend the service to see the eighth Bishop of Stockport take up her role within the Diocese of Chester on what was, poignantly, International Women's Day.
Kirsty Allan had travelled from Timperley, a neighbouring parish to Hale where Libby was vicar of St Peter's Church, with her mother Jennifer Friend. Her father David had interrupted a holiday in the Lake District to take up the role of one of the bell ringers at the occasion.
She said: "We were at York Minster and we have come here today because Libby is very supportive and full of compassion".
One man, whose wife was a member of the clergy attending the service, asked at the door if there had been any 'no-shows' as he was unable to get a ticket.
The service was a family affair for the Rt Rev Libby Lane, as she is now known, and she had a huge smile for husband George as she took her seat in the front row before the service. Their children Benedict and Connie and her mum and dad Helen and Dennis Holden were also there to share in her celebrations.
Helen described the occasion as 'emotional' and said she was 'excited for and proud of' her daughter.
The event began with a procession before the Bishop of Birkenhead Keith Sinclair welcomed Bishop Libby. The Bishop of Chester, Dr Peter Forster then invited the Dean of Chester Professor Gordon McPhate to install Libby as the Bishop of Stockport.
He described the occasion as 'an historic moment for the diocese.'
Among the guests were Lord Mayor of Chester Bob Rudd and Lady Mayoress Sandra Rudd, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs and High Sheriff of Cheshire Susan Sellers.
Speaking after the service Libby described how important it was for her to begin her ministry in the historic city of Chester at the same time that the Church was moving forward and that she had a sense of service to the community of the diocese.
She said: "The service of installation during evensong at the cathedral felt like a homecoming. It was wonderful that so many wanted to share that occasion and I particularly extend my appreciation to those who could not be present because requests to attend outstripped even the cathedral's capacity, but who supported me in prayer nonetheless. Our whole family is very grateful for the love and support that we have received."
