A priest today tried to stop the consecration of the first woman bishop in the Church of England during an outburst at York Minster. Reverend Paul Williamson spoke out against the ordination of Libby Lanes as the new Bishop of Stockport.
His lone protest was in response to Archbishop Dr John Sentamu who asked the congregation: ‘Brothers and sisters, you have heard how great is the charge that Libby is ready to undertake, and you have heard her declarations. ‘Is it now your will that she should be ordained?’
The rest of the 2,000-strong congregation replied ‘it is’, but Rev Williamson stood up, moved towards the altar and shouted: ‘No, not in the Bible. With respect, Your Grace, I ask to speak on this absolute impediment, please.’
He then stood awkwardly for a while before shuffling off as Dr Sentamu read out a pre-prepared statement, asked the question again, and continued with the ceremony.
Describing Mr Williamson as a ‘serial protester’, a Church of England spokesman told the BBC: ‘He’s got the right to protest but the contrast was between a lone voice protesting and a sea of voices affirming.’ Watch Video;
A metro.co.uk extract.
His lone protest was in response to Archbishop Dr John Sentamu who asked the congregation: ‘Brothers and sisters, you have heard how great is the charge that Libby is ready to undertake, and you have heard her declarations. ‘Is it now your will that she should be ordained?’
The rest of the 2,000-strong congregation replied ‘it is’, but Rev Williamson stood up, moved towards the altar and shouted: ‘No, not in the Bible. With respect, Your Grace, I ask to speak on this absolute impediment, please.’
He then stood awkwardly for a while before shuffling off as Dr Sentamu read out a pre-prepared statement, asked the question again, and continued with the ceremony.
Describing Mr Williamson as a ‘serial protester’, a Church of England spokesman told the BBC: ‘He’s got the right to protest but the contrast was between a lone voice protesting and a sea of voices affirming.’ Watch Video;