Carol Stone

Carol Ann Stone (formerly Peter James Stone, 1954–2014) was an English Anglican priest and chaplain. She was the first serving priest of the Church of England to transition from male to female. She was ordained in 1978 as a male, underwent sex reassignment surgery in 2000, and continued her ministry as a female.

Early life and education Stone was born in 1954. She received a National Broadcasting Award from the Sandford St Martin Trust in 1979 for her contributions to radio. She had the support of her bishop, Barry Rogerson, who stated:

In November 2000, she returned to St Philip's and parish ministry and began using the name Carol Ann Stone. Stone was given a standing ovation at the end of the service by the remaining members of the congregation. In December 2006, she was appointed priest-in-charge of St Peter's Church, Penhill, Swindon, in addition to her role as vicar of St Philip's.

Military service In addition to her parish ministry and school chaplaincy, Stone served as military chaplain. On 18 July 1984, she was commissioned into the Royal Army Chaplains' Department, Territorial Army, as a Chaplain to the Forces 4th Class (equivalent in rank to captain): she was given the service number 520138. From 1984 to 1989, she served as chaplain to a unit of the Army Cadet Force. On 1 January 1996, she was promoted to Chaplain to the Forces 3rd Class (equivalent in rank to major). In June 2003, she was awarded the Efficiency Decoration (Territorial) in recognition of long service in the reserves.

She resigned her commission on 7 May 2004.

Personal life Stone had been twice married and divorced: