The Church of England appointed its first ever female bishop today, overturning centuries of tradition in a Church that has been deeply divided over the issue.

It named Reverend Libby Lane as the new Bishop of Stockport in northern England.

After long and sometimes heated debate, the Church of England governing Synod voted in July to allow women to become bishops and formally adopted legislation last month.

Women have served as priests in the Church since 1994.

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