http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk All the News Stories from Carlisle Diocese (c) 2010 Carlisle Diocese CGFeedMaker 1.0.14 on CMS Made Simple darren@kierweb.co.uk (Admin User) http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1008/477/Wedding-Festival.html Thu, 17 May 2012 09:30:55 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1008/477/Wedding-Festival.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1007/477/Celebration-of-Crafts-and-Skills.html Fri, 11 May 2012 09:46:49 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1007/477/Celebration-of-Crafts-and-Skills.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1006/477/55th-Anniversary-of-Dean-Henry-Stapleton-s-Ordination.html Fri, 11 May 2012 09:42:03 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1006/477/55th-Anniversary-of-Dean-Henry-Stapleton-s-Ordination.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1005/477/Big-Thank-You-Letter---Diamond-Jubilee.html Fri, 11 May 2012 00:39:45 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1005/477/Big-Thank-You-Letter---Diamond-Jubilee.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1004/477/The-Creation-Story.html Thu, 10 May 2012 09:27:50 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1004/477/The-Creation-Story.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1003/477/Tower-Open.html Tue, 08 May 2012 09:38:35 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1003/477/Tower-Open.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1002/477/Garden-Fete.html Tue, 01 May 2012 14:31:59 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1002/477/Garden-Fete.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1001/477/Natland-Summer-Fete-60-Glorious-Years.html Tue, 01 May 2012 14:28:29 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1001/477/Natland-Summer-Fete-60-Glorious-Years.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1000/477/Free-seminar-on-church-websites.html Tue, 01 May 2012 14:25:30 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/1000/477/Free-seminar-on-church-websites.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/999/477/A-Taste-of-India.html Tue, 01 May 2012 14:11:46 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/999/477/A-Taste-of-India.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/998/477/The-Wordsworth-Singers.html Tue, 01 May 2012 14:07:47 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/998/477/The-Wordsworth-Singers.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/997/477/Cockermouth-Harmonic-Society-Concert.html Local composer, Philip Wood, has written a song for the choir, Look Up Sweet Babe, and its first performance will take place at the concert.  The programme will include a short Renaissance work, Carissimi’s Jephthe, Purcell anthems and Walter Carroll’s Magnificat.  Ian Thompson, the choir’s musical director, will conduct the choir and soloists Fiona Weakley, Julie Leavett, Robert Thompson, Jonathan Millican and countertenor, Timothy Penrose.  The choir will be accompanied by the Lonsdale Baroque Ensemble, and the organ will be played by Hugh Davies.  Tickets £12, children £4, on sale at Billy Bowman’s music shop in Cockermouth or from Jennifer... Tue, 01 May 2012 14:06:58 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/997/477/Cockermouth-Harmonic-Society-Concert.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/996/477/Armathwaite-Open-Gardens-Warts-and-Miles-too.html Tue, 01 May 2012 14:05:32 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/996/477/Armathwaite-Open-Gardens-Warts-and-Miles-too.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/995/477/New-front-page.html Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:00:24 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/995/477/New-front-page.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/994/477/House-for-Duty-Lowther-Askham-Clifton-Brougham.html The House for Duty Priest will work in close relationship with the Priest in Charge of the neighbouring Leith andamp; Lyvennet Parishes to develop areas of collaborative working across the two benefices. The House for Duty post is for Sunday and two other days each week, or equivalent hours. The four bedroom Rectory is in the village of Clifton. The PCCs are looking for a House for Duty Priest in Charge who • will embrace the diocesan vision for Growing Disciples of All Ages • will be a diligent pastor and teacher • has experience and understanding of rural... Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:51:59 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/994/477/House-for-Duty-Lowther-Askham-Clifton-Brougham.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/993/477/See-Life-Differently-Live-Life-Differently.html What is Toolbox? Toolbox is a highly-acclaimed and innovative Monday to Friday course, designed to envision Christians from all walks of life with the central importance of whole-life discipleship, and to equip them with the practical skills for fruitful engagment with both God's word and God's world.  To this end, the course will enable you to: *    Understand the inhibiting impact of the sacred-secular divide on church life and Christian mission and living, and develop a vision for whole-life discipleship. *  Develop a robust method for interpereting the bible and applying it to contemporary life. ... Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:13:33 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/993/477/See-Life-Differently-Live-Life-Differently.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/992/477/Craft-Fair.html Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:18:43 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/992/477/Craft-Fair.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/991/477/Lonsdale-Music-10th-Anniversary-Concert.html Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:46:28 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/991/477/Lonsdale-Music-10th-Anniversary-Concert.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/990/477/Fun-Day.html Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:43:26 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/990/477/Fun-Day.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/989/477/Encore-Opera.html Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:36:10 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/989/477/Encore-Opera.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/988/477/St-Bridget-s-Lecture.html Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:05:45 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/988/477/St-Bridget-s-Lecture.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/987/477/The-Pro-Nobis-Singers.html Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:36:50 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/987/477/The-Pro-Nobis-Singers.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/985/477/Diamond-Jubilee-Concert.html Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:44:23 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/985/477/Diamond-Jubilee-Concert.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/984/477/Understanding-Islam.html Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:07:18 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/984/477/Understanding-Islam.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/982/477/Weekend-of-Flowers-Music-Celebrating-the-180th-anniversary-of-the-Parish.html Opening Service andamp; concert with Emma Elwick and friends from Cumbria Opera, £6 to include refreshments.  June: Fri 1 andamp; Sat 2, 10.00am to 4.00pm for viewing of the flowers, morning coffee and afternoon tea, £4 inclusive of refreshments.  Fri 1 7.30pm Zing in Concert, £8 to include refreshments.  Sat 2 7.30pm.  An Evening of Brazilian Music, £8 to include refreshments.  Sun 3, 10.00am Morning Eucharist.  6.30pm Songs of Praise.  Please come and join us for any or all of the above.  Weekend Ticket £22 to include all concerts and admission to the Flower Festival.  Further details contact P Telfer ... Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:44:31 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/982/477/Weekend-of-Flowers-Music-Celebrating-the-180th-anniversary-of-the-Parish.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/981/477/Visit-open-Gardens.html Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:42:48 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/981/477/Visit-open-Gardens.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/980/477/Choral-Evensong.html Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:41:32 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/980/477/Choral-Evensong.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/979/477/Food-glorious-food.html Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:38:09 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/979/477/Food-glorious-food.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/978/477/Diamond-Jubilee-Festival-of-Flowers.html Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:09:09 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/978/477/Diamond-Jubilee-Festival-of-Flowers.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/977/477/Cumbria-Theological-Society.html Wednesday 18th April Natland CofE School LA9 7QH Tel : 015395 60719 The Rt Rev'd Alec Graham , formaly Bishop of Newcastle The Word and Wisdom of God    Tuesday 8th May Cockermouth: URC Church, Main street, CA13 9LU Dr alan Suggate, formerly University of Durham Culture and Christ, a sacramental approach   Saturday 12th May The John Todd Memorial Lecture Keswick, St Herbert's Braithwaite CA12 5TD Dr Andrew Todd, Landaff Theological College Ethical and Theological Engagement with Society   Tuesday 10th July... Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:30:52 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/977/477/Cumbria-Theological-Society.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/975/477/Youth-Minister-Windermere-Deanery.html To take on this exciting challenge you will … • Have a strong personal faith in Jesus Christ • Have experience in youth ministry • Be an excellent communicator • Be a team player Carlisle Diocese has an emerging vision for a new network of youth churches. This post builds on existing contacts with young people, for the development of a network youth church in the Windermere Deanery. The area has supportive church communities, strong ecumenical links, good local schools, stunning scenery and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Starting salary: £22,000 pa Hours: 40 hours per week... Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:02:59 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/975/477/Youth-Minister-Windermere-Deanery.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/974/477/Encore-Opera-Group.html Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:30:12 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/974/477/Encore-Opera-Group.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/973/477/Jubilee-Exhibition-The-Kings-and-Queens-of-England.html Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:21:25 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/973/477/Jubilee-Exhibition-The-Kings-and-Queens-of-England.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/970/477/8th-Annual-Art-Exhibition.html Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:45:13 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/970/477/8th-Annual-Art-Exhibition.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/969/477/Budget-2012-20-percent-VAT-on-alterations-to-listed-churches.html Unexpectedly the Chancellor announced in the Budget that from 1 October 2012 approved alterations to listed buildings – which, unlike repairs and maintenance are currently zero-rated - will be charged at the standard rate of 20 percent. This will cost the Church of England up to £20 million per annum on works to its 12,500 listed church buildings, assuming of course parishes and cathedrals can now afford to go ahead and undertake the works required. This is a real blow to communities who are seeking to maintain and develop their churches (including improved lavatory, kitchen, disability and energy saving... Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:52:17 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/969/477/Budget-2012-20-percent-VAT-on-alterations-to-listed-churches.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/968/477/Prayer-Book-Society.html Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:07:18 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/968/477/Prayer-Book-Society.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/967/477/Music-for-a-Summer-Evening.html July: Tue 3, Broughton Male Voice Choir.  Sun 8 (2.00pm) Colne Orpheus Glee Union.  Tue 10, La Serenata, 2 Sopranos, Flute andamp; Piano.  Tue 17, The Lakeland Fiddlers.  Tue 24, Mary Dunsford – harp, Joseph Donmall – cello, Duncan Glenday – piano.  Tue 31, Voce, 4 Tenors.  August: Tue 7, Lake District Summer Music Concert.  Tue 14, The Demix Folk Duo, Sarah Demick – vocals, Rod Demick – guitar.  Tue 21, Emma Richards – viola, Duncan Honeybourne – piano.  Tue 28, Adrian Self – organ recital.  No charge for admission.  Retiring collection for Christian Aid and other charities.  Contact: 015394... Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:20:30 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/967/477/Music-for-a-Summer-Evening.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/966/477/Celebration-Organ-Concert.html Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:26:28 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/966/477/Celebration-Organ-Concert.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/965/477/Weekend-of-Flowers-Music-Celebrating-the-180th-anniversary-of-the-Parish.html Opening Service andamp; concert with Emma Elwick and friends from Cumbria Opera, £6 to include refreshments.  Fri 30 andamp; Sat 31, 10.00am to 4.00pm for viewing of the flowers, morning coffee and afternoon tea, £4 inclusive of refreshments.  Fri 30 7.30pm Zing in Concert, £8 to include refreshments.  Sat 31 7.30pm.  An Evening of Brazilian Music, £8 to include refreshments.  Sun 1 June, 10.00am Morning Eucharist.  6.30pm Songs of Praise.  Please come and join us for any or all of the above.  Weekend Ticket £22 to include all concerts and admission to the Flower Festival.  Further details contact P Telfer ... Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:22:59 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/965/477/Weekend-of-Flowers-Music-Celebrating-the-180th-anniversary-of-the-Parish.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/964/477/Music-for-a-Midsummer-Evening.html Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:13:47 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/964/477/Music-for-a-Midsummer-Evening.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/963/477/Ulverston-Choral-Society-Concert.html Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:41:13 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/963/477/Ulverston-Choral-Society-Concert.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/962/477/Articles-of-Enquiry.html May we say "thank you" to all Wardens for all your work. Your leadership is greatly valued.  May we also say thank you, in advance, for completing the Articles of Enquiry - all the information you give is used;  we do not ask questions which will not lead to some action. However, over the past few years chasing missing returns has cost a lot of secretarial time  - not good stewarship of our resources! Please therefore note a change to the way in which we admit Churchwardens:  we need the Articles returned before we admit Churchwardens -... Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:34:13 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/962/477/Articles-of-Enquiry.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/960/477/St-Barnabas-Church-Carlisle-2012-Concert-Season.html Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:13:52 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/960/477/St-Barnabas-Church-Carlisle-2012-Concert-Season.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/957/477/Christian-Meditation-in-Cumbria.html Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:20:22 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/957/477/Christian-Meditation-in-Cumbria.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/954/477/Boltons-PCC-Flower-Festival-Celebration.html Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:56:55 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/954/477/Boltons-PCC-Flower-Festival-Celebration.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/949/477/losOlivos-hacienda.html 20th - 24th April 2012 - Prayer and Art A creative retreat with Bishop Stephen cottrell exploring the use of art in the context of prayer and spirituality.  Bishop stephen's reflections will be based on the paintings of stanley Spencer, as featured in his book, "Christ in the Wilderness".  From €350. 30th April - 4th May 2012 - The Jesus Prayer An exploration of our life in God from an Orthodox perspective.  It includes teaching on key themes in Eastern Orthodox spirituality (in the Jesus Prayer) and time for personal prayer and reflection.  Led by Fr Philip... Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:36:59 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/949/477/losOlivos-hacienda.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/946/477/Vicar-of-Scotby-Cotehill-and-Cumwhinton.html There is an excellent five bedroom Vicarage in Scotby, the largest of the villages, and there are good primary schools in Scotby and Cumwhinton, with secondary schools nearby, in the city and in Brampton. The parish is in easy reach of the M6 and the west coast mainline. The PCC is looking for an incumbent who • will embrace the diocesan vision for Growing Disciples of All Ages • is a convinced evangelical, open to the work of the Holy Spirit • has a mature, infectious personal faith in the Lord Jesus • is a gifted and collaborative leader • has a pioneering spirit... Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:17:33 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/946/477/Vicar-of-Scotby-Cotehill-and-Cumwhinton.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/942/477/Concerts-at-Crosthwaite.html Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:09:15 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/942/477/Concerts-at-Crosthwaite.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/133/477/Gladstones-Library.html Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:39:00 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/133/477/Gladstones-Library.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/930/477/Safeguarding-Policy.html Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:52:55 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/930/477/Safeguarding-Policy.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/901/477/Cumbria-Becomes-First-Ecumenical-County-in-England.html On Sunday 27th November 2011 at 3pm Church Leaders from the Methodist, United Reformed and Anglican Churches in Cumbria will sign an historic ecumenical Declaration of Intent. Supported by the other five main Christian denominations in Cumbria (Roman Catholic, Salvation Army, Baptist, Quaker and Church of Scotland) this declaration will mean that Cumbria becomes the first ecumenical county in England with churches agreeing on a county-level to work more closely together for the sake of unity. Building on a shared faith, the Declaration affirms the common goals of the three churches: “We believe that we are being called... Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:34:42 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/901/477/Cumbria-Becomes-First-Ecumenical-County-in-England.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/889/477/Nov-11-Archdeacon-Kevin-We-welcome-you.html “We welcome you,” says to the newly baptised or to our new bishop, we are really pleased to have you with us and we want you to feel at home among us. More than that, it says to those who come among us, this is now your church and your diocese as much as it is ours. Of course, that is the kind of welcome that God extends to each of us as we come into His Kingdom. There is no second or third class membership of the Kingdom. We are ushered right in and dignified from the start... Sun, 30 Oct 2011 15:17:57 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/889/477/Nov-11-Archdeacon-Kevin-We-welcome-you.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/884/477/Act-now-to-support-BBC-Radio-Cumbria.html If the proposals were implemented, BBC Radio Cumbria would see a cut of 20 per cent of its annual budget. About nine jobs could go, roughly one third of the current workforce. All local evening programming would also be lost and local programmes would only be broadcast from 6am to 7pm. The consultation is part of wider cost-savings exercises taking place across the BBC. Radio Cumbria is being asked to save around 20 per cent of its annual budget, whereas many other local radio stations are being asked to save only 12 per cent. Julie Clayton, the NUJ... Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:33:14 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/884/477/Act-now-to-support-BBC-Radio-Cumbria.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/878/477/Archdeacons-Articles-of-Enquiry-2011.html Thu, 06 Oct 2011 01:19:13 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/878/477/Archdeacons-Articles-of-Enquiry-2011.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/876/477/By-Whose-Authority.html We all step in andamp; out of leadership, whatever our roles in life.  We all need leadership to go well; we need to have the people who fit that role.  This conference will explore through talks, workshops, art andamp; worship: The difference that ‘difference’ makes Humility andamp; Ambition Women as Leaders in Early Church Old andamp; New Taboos ‘Leadership’ andamp; Discipleship’ Amongst the Anglican divines Exemplars andamp; the Art of Conversation Across Faiths andamp; Cultures Change, Loss andamp; Failure There will be opportunities to gain skills in personal presence, conflict resolution andamp;... Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:32:17 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/876/477/By-Whose-Authority.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/873/477/Statement-on-Rose-Castle.html "We want to express our support for the Church Commissioners in their decisions about Rose Castle. "First,  the Commissioners have engaged with and consulted the Diocese of Carlisle extensively.  We agree with them that Rose Castle is no longer appropriate as a bishop’s house – indeed, questions about its suitability, and attempts to find an alternative, date back 80 years.  It needs very substantial repairs, but even if these were done, its running costs would still be very very high;  and it is in an isolated location. "Second, we are delighted with the new Bishop’s House in Keswick.... Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:10:47 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/873/477/Statement-on-Rose-Castle.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/852/477/Reducing-thefts-of-metal-from-churches.html Metal theft is a significant and increasing problem in the UK. Since the start of 2007 Ecclestiastical Insurance has received more than 8000 claims for metal theft, at an estimated total cost of more than £23 million. Lead, copper and stainless steel roof coverings, roof flashings, copper lightning conductors and lead rainwater pipes have all been targeted. Whilst world demand for metal remains strong their scrap value will continue to be high, making them an attractive target for thieves, and churches will continue to face this problem for the foreseeable future. Historically the scrap metal trade has been a cash... Sat, 03 Sep 2011 17:48:30 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/852/477/Reducing-thefts-of-metal-from-churches.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/839/477/Bishop-of-Carlisle-s-Harvest-for-the-Hungry-Appeal-2011.html Resources for the Bishop of Carlisle's Harvest for the Hungry Appeal 2011, in association with Christian Aid and Tearfund, are available to download here. The appeal this year will support: Christian Aid and COC-Bless, the development arm of the Coptic Church in Egypt, to support farming communities build capacity to find solutions to the problems they face. Tearfund and the Teso Dioceses Development Team and Karamoja Dioceses Development Services, both part of the Church of the Province of Uganda, to help poor communities cope with changing climate conditions. Resources to download Appeal leaflet Sermon... Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:17:10 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/839/477/Bishop-of-Carlisle-s-Harvest-for-the-Hungry-Appeal-2011.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/831/477/The-Way-reader-survey.html In Christmas 2009, we launched The Cumbria Way as an ecumenical publication; the newspaper of the Church in Cumbria. Formerly, it had been the diocesan newspaper. The decision to become an ecumenical publication was taken quickly, in the light of the increasing partnership working between the different denominations in Cumbria. This meant the editorial team, which consists of representatives from several denominations, didn’t make any major changes to the format, appearance or nature of the content. Eighteen months on, we have been heartened by the positive feedback we’ve received from so many readers, both new and old, but... Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:25:24 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/831/477/The-Way-reader-survey.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/828/477/East-Africa-Food-Crisis.html As you read this, 10 million people across East Africa are facing severe food shortages caused by a combination of drought, irregular harvests, high food prices and displacement. Christian Aid has launched an emergency appeal to support partners in Kenya, Ethiopia and Sudan to provide life-saving assistance including tanks of water to villages experiencing the worst drought conditions, food for families and animal feed to protect livestock that are so crucial for the pastoralists’ survival. Help is urgently needed and so Christian Aid asks if you would consider holding a collection in your church. Call 0870 078... Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:38:59 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/828/477/East-Africa-Food-Crisis.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/827/477/Communications-Training.html 1 May: Get your church noticed: basics 1st May: Get your church noticed: connect with your community 16th May: Being interviewed 17th May: Effective design 22nd May: The Magazines masterclass 23rd May: Mission in the Wedding Show marketplace 11th June: Betterpresentation skills 13th June: Effective Design 20th June: Effective personal communication 16th October: Better presentation skills 18th October: Thought for the Day 19th October: Dealing with challenging interviews 1st November: The Magazines masterclass 15th November: Getting to grips with Visual Liturgy Live 23rd November: Being interviewed... Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:56:34 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/827/477/Communications-Training.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/815/477/Suffragan-Bishop-of-Penrith.html The Venerable Robert Freeman (aged 58), studied first at St John’s College, Durham and then at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge while he trained for the ordained ministry at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. He served his curacy at Blackpool St John, in Blackburn Diocese from 1977 to 1981. From 1981 to 1985 he was Team Vicar at Chigwell, in Chelmsford Diocese. From 1985 to 1999 he was Vicar at The Church of the Martyrs Leicester in Leicester Diocese. From 1994 to 2003 he was Honorary Canon at Leicester Cathedral and from 1995 to 1998 he was Rural Dean of Christianity South. He... Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:03:39 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/815/477/Suffragan-Bishop-of-Penrith.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/814/477/Tackling-Poverty.html Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:50:07 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/814/477/Tackling-Poverty.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/778/477/BBC-Local-Radio-Consultation.html One option being considered is reducing BBC Radio Cumbria's output to a Breakfast Show and a Drivetime Show, the rest of the time we would broadcast output from 5live. This would mean that the news service would be greatly reduced as would the ability to hold local decision makers to account. Perhaps most seriously it would make it impossible for us to 'ramp up' our reaction to local emergencies - foot and mouth / Carlisle floods 2005 / floods of 2009 / west Cumbrian shootings. In those cases we were able to use our local knowledge and local staff... Thu, 31 Mar 2011 09:07:36 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/778/477/BBC-Local-Radio-Consultation.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/770/477/Mar-11-Archdeacon-Kevin-Appointed-to-be-read.html What always strikes me as I look at the title page of the King James Bible is not only that it was the product of considerable scholarship (“translated out of the original tongues and with the former translations diligently compared and revised”) but that, on the King’s authority, it was “appointed to be read in the churches”. Quite simply it was designed to be read! That was its raison d’etre. It was never meant to be admired for its leather binding or the incomparable smell of its india paper pages. It was never meant to just sit on a church... Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:32:23 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/770/477/Mar-11-Archdeacon-Kevin-Appointed-to-be-read.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/769/477/Feb-11-Bishop-James-The-Way-Ahead.html Of course as a Diocese we are not concerned with accumulating worldly wealth. But we are in the business of storing up what Jesus calls ‘treasure in heaven’ – that is, co-operating with God in his work of building the Kingdom of heaven here on earth. To do that we need both vision and strategy – because if we have neither, we will go nowhere and achieve little or nothing. That’s why, for the last fifteen months we have been praying, discussing and consulting widely about the ‘way ahead’ from now until 2020. The result of all that deliberation was presented... Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:31:32 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/769/477/Feb-11-Bishop-James-The-Way-Ahead.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/768/477/Jan-11-Archdeacon-Richard-There-s-a-knock-at-the-door.html She’s on benefit of course. Last Christmas, instead of getting her presents from a charity shop (ie second-hand), she bought some stuff from a catalogue, and at the hundreds of percent interest rate charged, now has a lot of week left at the end of the money. The Bible has a word for the catalogue business practices - usury - and it is roundly condemned. Hence Credit Unions, where they would have been careful to lend only what they knew she could afford to repay, and at very low interest rates. And hence a plea for Churches and congregations to... Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:30:39 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/768/477/Jan-11-Archdeacon-Richard-There-s-a-knock-at-the-door.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/767/477/Dec-10-Bishop-James-Women-bishops.html To the outside world, this sounds bizarre! Why, people wonder, can’t the church just catch up with the rest of society? After all, we had the debates about votes for women – and women doctors – and women barristers – and women politicians - years ago. Even women astronauts are now taken for granted. As Air Force Colonel Eileen Collins once remarked ‘My daughter just thinks that all mums fly the space shuttle’! And when Pat Schroeder was asked why she was running for political office as a woman (which she frequently was) she used too reply ‘What choice do... Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:29:50 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/767/477/Dec-10-Bishop-James-Women-bishops.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/766/477/Nov-10-Archdeacon-George-The-Micawber-Principle.html We’ll all be worse off wherever the axe may finally fall. Yet will be worse off as a society, as communities ? That I think, depends on how we respond. Whatever our view of the wisdom and extent of the cuts in economic terms, we could hardly just carry on as we were. Mr Micawber pronounced that a personal debt of just six old pence (2.5p) would lead to misery. As individuals and as nations we have to learn to live within our means. But will we learn the deeper lessons of the profligacy of recent years ? With a... Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:28:51 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/766/477/Nov-10-Archdeacon-George-The-Micawber-Principle.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/765/477/Oct-10-Bishop-James-Faith-and-fun.html If nothing else, that made me reach for the dictionary – and my initial findings were not encouraging. The first definition of ‘fun’ is ‘a hoax, or trick’ – which is how atheistic secularists in our society regard Christianity, but hardly a Christian viewpoint. In fact, as St Paul himself observes, if Christ was not raised from the dead, we of all people are most to be pitied. Our whole faith relies on the historical reality of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. If the New Testament revolves around an elaborate hoax, church may be ‘fun’ in this pejorative sense, but... Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:27:59 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/765/477/Oct-10-Bishop-James-Faith-and-fun.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/764/477/Sep-10-The-Dean-A-21st-Century-Mother-Church.html First, I hope that clergy and parishioners in this diocese feel a warm welcome awaits them at Carlisle Cathedral when they arrange a visit – as many do. We are always glad to welcome groups to share in worship here or to make use of the facilities we have to offer. Second, Mother Church has something to say about making expertise and resources available. Some approach us when a special service needs to be prepared, or to lead a Quiet or Study Day on issues they are facing. Others again ask us to help them think about the role of... Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:27:09 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/764/477/Sep-10-The-Dean-A-21st-Century-Mother-Church.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/763/477/Aug-10-Bishop-James-The-Begatitudes.html For example, “Arpachshad became the father of Shelah; and Shelah became the father of Eber. To Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg... and the name of his brother Joktan. Joktan became the father of...” (and so on and so on!) Why were they there, he wondered. What possible purpose could they serve, apart from satisfying the curiosity of ancient history nerds? Not surprisingly, he found it hard to derive any spiritual benefit at all from long lists of largely unpronounceable names. That set me thinking about the so-called ‘Begatitudes’ which crop up in the New Testament (e.g.... Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:26:05 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/763/477/Aug-10-Bishop-James-The-Begatitudes.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/762/477/Jun-10-Archdeacon-Kevin-all-eyes-on-the-game.html The economists estimate that the World Cup will pump around £6 billion into the South African economy and create around 425,000 new jobs. New infrastructure is being built that will serve the local population for years to come. Half a million international visitors will give an unprecedented boost to the South African tourist industry. And in the words of President Jacob Zuma the World Cup “is an important milestone in the regeneration of the continent”. What a turn around for a nation that only twenty years ago was excluded from most international sporting competitions. For four weeks in June and... Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:25:19 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/762/477/Jun-10-Archdeacon-Kevin-all-eyes-on-the-game.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/761/477/May-10-Archdeacon-Richard-How-will-you-vote.html One problem is that in voting for a particular party, you have to sign up not only for policies with which you agree, but also for policies with which you strongly disagree. And that takes us straight to the point of political parties…. It’s a nice idea to imagine that we could all be consulted about everything - but even in this electronic age it isn’t always practical. Another nice idea is just to have a series of independent candidates - but how would they carry through a programme and how would they run things? The word ‘politics’ comes from the... Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:24:19 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/761/477/May-10-Archdeacon-Richard-How-will-you-vote.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/760/477/Apr-10-Bishop-James-Pilgrimage.html That story also prompted me to reflect on why it is that so many people go on ‘pilgrimage’. As we know from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, there is nothing new about the desire to visit special places. In fact, as long ago as the early fourth century A.D. Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine, went on a pilgrimage to get hold of some holy relics, among them an alleged piece of the true cross. And today pilgrimage is as popular as ever. In England, pilgrims gather at shrines such as Walsingham. In Spain they trudge along the dusty road to Santiago... Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:23:26 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/760/477/Apr-10-Bishop-James-Pilgrimage.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/759/477/Mar-10-Archdeacon-George-Is-it-nothing-to-you.html Of course, for us they point forward to Christ’s suffering on the Cross. Christ grieves again at our indifference to others’ needs. Geoffrey Studdert-Kennedy, otherwise known as “Woodbine Willy”, wrote a poem called “Indifference” which contrasted the cruelty of Calvary with the apathy of the modern world :- “When Jesus came to Birmingham, they simply passed him by”. Jesus’ response to such indifference was to crouch against a wall and cry for Calvary. It’s not great poetry, but it serves to remind us, both of the challenge of our preaching of the Passion to an indifferent society; and of the... Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:21:55 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/759/477/Mar-10-Archdeacon-George-Is-it-nothing-to-you.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/758/477/Feb-2010-Bishop-James-What-are-bishops-for.html Bishops exist, first, to be leaders in mission. As well as proclaiming the gospel, they should articulate the diocesan vision (in our case for growth) and think strategically about how that vision can be achieved. As leaders, they should set an example to clergy and licensed lay ministers of working collaboratively – which means not just delegating tasks, but sharing power. They should also be good at identifying and using the gifts of others – which is the primary responsibility of all clergy, and especially vital, from a diocesan point of view, in the making of appointments. Second, bishops exist to... Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:20:28 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/758/477/Feb-2010-Bishop-James-What-are-bishops-for.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/751/477/Prayer-for-those-affected-by-cuts.html On Ash Wednesday senior church leaders from WYEC took part in a service of penitence at St Anne's Cathedral, Leeds. There, they recognised and repented of the part we have all played in causing suffering in our society, and prayed for the victims of public spending cuts. This prayer may be helpful to churches and individuals.   God of compassion and justice We offer our prayers for our communities; We give thanks That they are places of belonging and welcome And for the countless ways in which the needs of each person are met through the... Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:36:00 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/751/477/Prayer-for-those-affected-by-cuts.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/749/477/Appointment-of-new-Chief-of-Staff-Chaplain-to-the-Bishop-of-Carlisle-and-Diocesan-Director-of-Ordinands.html George takes up his new appointment at the beginning of September, at which point he will move to Threlkeld, near Keswick, from his current home in Grange over Sands. George Howe (born 1952) has been Archdeacon of Westmorland and Furness, covering the southern part of the Diocese of Carlisle, for the last 11 years, and has also been Diocesan Ecumenical Officer since 2001. Prior to that he served as Vicar of Holy Trinity Kendal from 1991 to 2000, and as Rural Dean of Kendal from 1994 to 2000. He has been an Honorary Canon of Carlisle Cathedral since... Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:57:12 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/749/477/Appointment-of-new-Chief-of-Staff-Chaplain-to-the-Bishop-of-Carlisle-and-Diocesan-Director-of-Ordinands.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/724/477/Diocesan-Vision-and-Strategy.html Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:09:05 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/724/477/Diocesan-Vision-and-Strategy.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/791/477/new-versions-of-the-Logo.html Sat, 15 Jan 2011 18:58:27 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/791/477/new-versions-of-the-Logo.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/715/477/Diocesan-Vision-and-Strategy.html Dates and Venues Tues 18 th Jan 7.30pm at Kendal Parish Church Wed 19 th Jan 7.30pm at Christ Church, Cockermouth Thurs 20 th Jan 7.30pm at St John’s, London Rd, Carlisle Fri 21 st Jan 7.00pm at St Andrew’s, Penrith Tues 25 th Jan 7.30pm at Egremont Parish Church Wed 26 th Jan 7.30pm at St Mary’s, Ulverston     The Presentations are important, for they will set out the direction of the Diocese for the next ten years 2011-2020.   For more information, please be in touch... Fri, 07 Jan 2011 21:14:33 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/715/477/Diocesan-Vision-and-Strategy.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/708/477/BBC-Nativity-drama-this-Christmas.html The BBC has now announced the schedule for its Nativity drama. It will be broadcast on BBC1 in four episodes of 30 minutes each. The first one will be on Monday 20th December at 7pm. Then it will be at the same time on the following three nights, ending on Thursday 23rd December at 7pm. This is the slot normally occupied by The ONE Show , which has an average audience of around 5 million viewers. The series has been written by Tony Jordan, a leading figure in television drama who also wrote Life on Mars and has written... Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:42:43 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/708/477/BBC-Nativity-drama-this-Christmas.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/696/477/Disciples-Together.html Since all the denominations share a longing to see our churches growing mature disciples, the course material is available in an ecumenical version as well as an ‘Anglican’ version.  As ecumenism is an important element of the Diocesan Vision, we strongly encourage you to take the initiative to use the ecumenical version of this course with churches of other denominations in your area. The course consists of materials for five 1½ hour sessions for a group to study together. They explore the ways in which, if we are truly growing as disciples of Jesus, this should be visible in... Thu, 18 Nov 2010 22:42:26 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/696/477/Disciples-Together.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/686/477/New-75m-grants-scheme-for-buildings.html Non-profit groups will be able to apply for sums of between £100,000 and £500,000 from the BLF’s Reaching Communities programme from early December. Funding will be available for all types of multi-purpose buildings used by communities – assurance has been given that faith groups will be eligible as long as they meet the criteria. The new funding stream has been designed with a view to transforming current buildings into community buildings which can offer a wide range of activities benefitting a broad group of citizens. Each project should have a total value of no more than £750,000. Applications will be... Tue, 02 Nov 2010 20:19:44 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/686/477/New-75m-grants-scheme-for-buildings.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/675/477/Listed-Places-of-Worship-grants-scheme-saved-in-Spending-Review.html Welcoming the announcement by the Department for Culture Media and Sport, the Rt Revd Richard Chartres, Bishop of London and Chair of the Church Heritage Forum, said: “I am very glad that the Department for Culture Media and Sport has announced that the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme will continue. Abandoning the scheme, which affects every part of the United Kingdom, would have been tantamount to a tax on fundraising; a great disincentive to the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who care for our churches and a blow to the credibility of the concept of the Big Society. “While... Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:00:47 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/675/477/Listed-Places-of-Worship-grants-scheme-saved-in-Spending-Review.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/674/477/Bishop-James-appointed-Lead-Bishop-on-Healthcare-Issues.html This appointment reflects the importance which the Church of England gives to healthcare as a national priority and the significance of physical, mental and spiritual care for the good of all. Alongside his diocesan duties, Bishop James will work closely with the Mission and Public Affairs Division of the Archbishops’ Council (MPA), which represents the church’s views on healthcare to the government, NHS and other agencies and is also responsible for supporting the Church of England’s healthcare chaplains across the country. As lead bishop, Bishop James will work to keep healthcare issues high on the agenda in the Church of... Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:56:48 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/674/477/Bishop-James-appointed-Lead-Bishop-on-Healthcare-Issues.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/673/477/General-Synod-Election-Results.html Fri, 15 Oct 2010 20:38:40 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/673/477/General-Synod-Election-Results.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/653/477/DEC-Pakistan-Appeal.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:48:39 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/653/477/DEC-Pakistan-Appeal.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/637/477/Marriage-of-Foreign-Nationals.html Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:07:54 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/637/477/Marriage-of-Foreign-Nationals.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/634/477/Harvest-for-the-Hungry.html Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:39:29 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/634/477/Harvest-for-the-Hungry.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/633/477/new-page-for-Churchwardens.html Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:26:08 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/633/477/new-page-for-Churchwardens.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/624/477/Thank-you.html Sat, 12 Jun 2010 21:43:39 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/624/477/Thank-you.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/618/477/Shootings-in-West-Cumbria.html Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been caught up in the terrible events of yesterday, but particularly they are with the family and friends of those who have been killed or injured. The community grieves deeply at the losses we have suffered; the confusion and pain will be long-lasting. We are all grateful for the dedication of all those members of the emergency services who have worked tirelessly to help the injured and to bring the situation to a conclusion. We also pay tribute to the members of the public who did what they could... Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:28:34 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/618/477/Shootings-in-West-Cumbria.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/620/477/Support-from-the-local-churches.html - A prayer vigil will take place at Egremont Parish Church on Friday 4 June from 7pm to 10pm. - Residents of Carlisle will have the opportunity to come together to pray for the people and communities of West Cumbria at a special prayer meeting on Friday 4 June from 7.30pm at Hebron Church, 98 Botchergate. - A special outdoor service for the communities of Seascale and Gosforth will take place on Sunday 6 June at 2.30pm on the Green at Seascale (below the station and by the beach carpark). - A service organised by the churches in Whitehaven... Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:15:50 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/620/477/Support-from-the-local-churches.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/619/477/Our-long-search-for-answers.html Everyone has been deeply shocked by the terrible shootings. It follows a tragic school bus accident in the area last week in which two teenagers and a motorist died - and unprecedented flooding a few months ago. People are already asking how the communities affected will cope. If past experience is anything to go by, the answer is "magnificently". The people of West Cumbria are wonderfully resilient and supportive when tragedy strikes. And I know once again they will offer comfort and help of the most inspiring and heart-warming kind to the relatives and friends of victims. People are also... Thu, 03 Jun 2010 08:10:45 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/619/477/Our-long-search-for-answers.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/578/477/Rain-Tax-is-abolished.html The tax tried to charge variable amounts for surface water drainage dependent on the size of the building's area but following a two-year national campaign by the churches, scouts, sports clubs and community groups concessionary charges can now be introduced by water companies for these groups. Commenting on today's news, Martin Dales, campaigner and spokesman for the Church of England and for DontDrainUs.org said: "Today is a major victory for commonsense. It is a rare achievement for ordinary people to get a government to listen and to act against unfair interpretation of the law in this case by Ofwat... Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:30:32 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/578/477/Rain-Tax-is-abolished.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/568/477/Listed-Places-of-Worship-Grant-Scheme-ending-April-2011.html The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which enables listed places of worship to claim back 100 per cent of VAT incurred on repairs and maintenance to the building, professional fees and repair works to fixtures such as bells and organs, is ending in April 2011. This Scheme has provided great relief to places of worship faced with raising enormous sums for maintenance and repair, and has enabled those who look after these valuable heritage and community buildings to maintain them for future generations. Over £102 million has been paid out to places of worship across the United Kingdom... Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:36:54 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/568/477/Listed-Places-of-Worship-Grant-Scheme-ending-April-2011.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/527/477/Jan-10-The-Dean-Setting-our-sights-high.html It’s a story worth pondering as a New Year begins. Do we expect the whole cycle to begin again, or are we open to something new? There are times, we sometimes admit, when we are inclined to opt for the quiet life. We keep to what we know and comes easiest. We opt for what we’ve done before and avoid taking any risks. At other times, change is forced upon us. All of those whose lives were overwhelmed by floods in so many parts of Cumbria in November have had to face up to the tremendous challenges of coping with... Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:27:10 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/527/477/Jan-10-The-Dean-Setting-our-sights-high.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/526/477/Dec-09-James-Why-go-to-Church.html Of course that sounds absurd.  But research suggests that many people apply the same sort of thinking to church-going. So long as a member of your (extended) family goes, or even perhaps a friend, that will somehow keep you in touch and in favour with the Almighty.  Vicarious religion, not least in the countryside, is still alive and well. That’s why some argue that ‘Back to Church Sunday’ should be re-named.  ‘Most of the people round us’ they say ‘don’t come to Church – but wouldn’t ‘come back’ because they don’t believe they’ve ever left’. So why does it matter... Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:25:42 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/526/477/Dec-09-James-Why-go-to-Church.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/525/477/Nov-09-Archdeacon-Kevin-Let-s-get-the-Good-News-out.html And in the middle of the rush and fun and busyness of a packed church porch Annette told me that during the service she had committed her life to Christ. The readings, the music, the preaching had all combined to speak to her and bring her to a moment of decision. For the next few minutes she had my undivided attention, while the queue waiting to leave church banked up behind her! I have had many such conversations over the years and each one of them remains firmly stamped in my memory. Each is a reminder to me that God... Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:23:53 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/525/477/Nov-09-Archdeacon-Kevin-Let-s-get-the-Good-News-out.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/523/477/Oct-09-Archdeacon-Richard-The-Enthronement.html There has been quite a bit of information about the process - the drawing up of a document describing the Diocese, the consultation by the Appointments Secretaries of the Prime Minister and the Archbishops, the meetings of the Commission where they considered specific names, then the wait and then the announcement.  Since then, however there have been a couple of quaint ceremonies which although fossils - because they are both hidden and antique - are important. The first was the Election of Bishop James.  All the Canons of the Cathedral were requested by the Dean to meet in the Cathedral... Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:21:16 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/523/477/Oct-09-Archdeacon-Richard-The-Enthronement.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/522/477/Christian-Aid-Haiti-earthquake-appeal.html Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:18:52 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/522/477/Christian-Aid-Haiti-earthquake-appeal.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/510/477/Flood-Recovery-Fund.html The Cumbria Community Foundation, based in Cockermouth, have set up a fund to help those affected by the recent flooding. A total of £350,000 has already been donated. The fund provides financial help to those who have been worst hit by the floods and grants will initially made to the elderly, the disabled and families with under 5s. After the Carlisle floods of 2005, the fund helped people with clothing, bedding, fares, toys etc. Donations can be made via their website www.cumbriafoundation.org , or at any branch of the Cumberland Building Society, Furness Building Society or HSBC bank.... Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:34:07 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/510/477/Flood-Recovery-Fund.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/507/477/Floods---A-Call-to-Prayer-and-Action.html Bishop James today paid tribute to all those members of the emergency and rescue services and other volunteers who have been working tirelessly to help those affected by the recent flooding. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been caught up in these terrible events, but particularly they are with the family and friends of PC Bill Barker. The community grieves at his loss. We are all so grateful for the dedication and bravery of all those who have been involved in rescue and support." Bishop James also spoke of his pride and gratitude to clergy and congregations... Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:00:27 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/507/477/Floods---A-Call-to-Prayer-and-Action.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/487/477/Enthronement.html Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:45:21 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/487/477/Enthronement.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/486/477/Enthronement-Sermon---10th-Oct-2009.html When Henry Campbell was enthroned as Bishop of London in 1956 it was still customary for the new Bishop to knock three times on the west door of the Cathedral to be admitted. Arriving at St Paul’s, he did this – and nothing happened.  Turning to his Chaplain he asked – with some anxiety – “Do you think we’ve come to the right place?” Given the fact that we are using St Cuthbert’s as well as the Cathedral for this service, some of you may have found yourselves asking the same question!  Thank you all so much for coming: ... Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:38:13 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/486/477/Enthronement-Sermon---10th-Oct-2009.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/471/477/Rose-Castle.html The suitability of Rose Castle as a see house was reviewed in 2008 and the decision was taken to retain it. However, the financial climate has changed considerably since then and, following the retirement of Bishop Graham Dow, the Commissioners undertook a further review. This found that a considerable amount of money would need to be spent on the property.  In addition, many people in the Diocese argue that it would be more appropriate for the Diocesan Bishop to live in a more accessible and environmentally greener home. The Bishop’s Council of Carlisle Diocese supports the decision which has... Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:01:54 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/471/477/Rose-Castle.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/468/477/Sept-09-James-JESUS-IS-LORD.html "What is a Christian?" she asked. I was tempted to reply "How long have you got?" In fact we soon managed to narrow down an answer to one simple statement. A Christian - is someone who can say that Jesus is Lord. That was good enough for the early Christians. Shouldn't it be good enough for us? Having thought so at the time, I was duly challenged by a provocative statement I came across recently in a book by the highly regarded author and pastor, Brian McLaren. "We Christians" he says often call Jesus Lord without the foggiest idea... Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:03:06 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/468/477/Sept-09-James-JESUS-IS-LORD.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/467/477/August-09-Archdeacon-George-RESTORING-TRUST.html There can be little doubt that trust in a large number of professions has been seriously undermined in recent years, and no more so than by the Daily Telegraph's drip-feeding of scandalous tales of MP's misuse of their expenses over the last few months. As the Archbishop of Canterbury and others have rightly pointed out, one sad outcome of this campaign has been to fuel cynicism about all public servants, the vast majority of whom continue to work self-sacrificially and from the most honourable of motives. This undermines confidence in the institutions which are the very foundation of our free,... Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:00:07 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/467/477/August-09-Archdeacon-George-RESTORING-TRUST.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/466/477/July-09-James-CONTINUITY-AND-CHANGE.html Happily I won't be joining them, and want to use this letter to say a huge thank you for all the prayer that has gone into the appointment of the 67th Bishop of Carlisle. Knowing how many people have been praying, and how hard and for how long gives a tremendous sense of encouragement and assurance for which I am profoundly grateful. Being number 67 also brings with it a real feeling of humility. The first Bishop of Carlisle was Aethelwilf (1133) and it is an extraordinary privilege to serve as part of a long line which includes Hugh... Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:57:59 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/466/477/July-09-James-CONTINUITY-AND-CHANGE.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/465/477/June-09-The-Dean-GREATEST-STORY-EVER-TOLD.html We recognise what people mean when they say this. In a rapidly moving, religiously diverse and multi-cultural society, stories contribute to a sense of identity for people who can be unsure who they are or where they belong. As people of faith, we feel the loss all the more keenly because religion has had an important part in shaping and telling these stories. Roy Strong's recent paperback A Little History of the English Country Church gives some wonderful illustrations of the way this storytelling took place. Today, despite the sterling work done by many of our church schools, many... Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:55:33 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/465/477/June-09-The-Dean-GREATEST-STORY-EVER-TOLD.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/464/477/May-09-James-MARCHING-ORDERS.html Great poets such as Chaucer and Shakespeare have poked fun at them; film-makers (think The Sound of Music and Sister Act) have exploited them, and comedians have found in them an endless source of fertile material. Take, for instance, the old joke about the silent order which only allowed its members to speak once a year. Seizing his opportunity, a new monk stood up at the end of his first year and said "The porridge at breakfast is too hot." At the end of his second year he said "Now the porridge is too cold." At the end of... Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:53:35 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/464/477/May-09-James-MARCHING-ORDERS.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/463/477/April-09-Graham-GET-A-LIFE---THE-ATHEISTS-OR-CHRISTIAN-WAY.html I replied to her that if she believed that, she needed just as much faith as I did to believe in God. She smiled. The notion that science has disproved (or will one day disprove) the existence of God is one of the great lies of our generation. Even if it is remotely possible that the perfect conditions on earth for human existence could have happened by sheer statistical luck, in a system with many universes and with billions of billions of planets, there is no sign of any scientific explanation as to why the raw materials of the... Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:50:28 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/463/477/April-09-Graham-GET-A-LIFE---THE-ATHEISTS-OR-CHRISTIAN-WAY.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/462/477/March-09-James-LIFE-IN-ALL-ITS-FULLNESS.html Obviously there are plenty of exceptions to prove the rule, but those are the conclusions drawn from eighty years of research on religion in the areas of neuroscience, economics, psychology and sociology. It's good for you to believe in God - not only because of your heavenly prospects, but also because of your earthly well-being. So is that what Jesus meant when he said he had come to bring ‘life in all its fullness'? I think not. Just before the Lambeth Conference last summer we held a fascinating seminar at Rydal Hall with some of our visiting bishops, who... Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:47:30 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/462/477/March-09-James-LIFE-IN-ALL-ITS-FULLNESS.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/450/477/Latest-info-on-website.html Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:45:01 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/450/477/Latest-info-on-website.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/413/477/67th-Bishop-of-Carlisle-announced.html Bishop James formally takes up his appointment at a service traditionally called an enthronement - we expect this to happen in the Autumn. The plan is that Bishop James continues, as he has been doing since Bishop Graham retired in April, to give episcopal leadership to the Diocese until the beginning of August, when he has leave booked, which he will extend until mid September.   Bishop James said, "I am delighted - and so is Alison - to be staying in Cumbria among the people whom we have come to love so much. I am also deeply... Thu, 28 May 2009 20:58:31 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/413/477/67th-Bishop-of-Carlisle-announced.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/411/477/Death-of-Bishop-David-Halsey.html Fri, 22 May 2009 23:37:17 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/411/477/Death-of-Bishop-David-Halsey.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/394/477/Back-To-Church-Sunday.html What is it? It is a designated Sunday when as many people as possible are invited back to church. An invitation from you is the best way to get someone else to come to Church. And so we want everyone, from laity to Bishops to take the lead and invite friends. Already half a million invites are now in circulation and the Bishop of Penrith is asking all our congregations to get on board and make the best of this high profile event. Watch out for the national press release coming soon. Already three thousand churches across Britain have... Sun, 10 May 2009 23:57:24 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/394/477/Back-To-Church-Sunday.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/393/477/2009-Elections-to-Diocesan-Synod.html Timetable Friday 1st May - notice to member of the Deanery synods of the election to the diocesan synod Friday 22nd May - Nominations to be returned to the presiding officer (Diocesan Secretary) Friday 5th June - Election papers posted Friday 26th June - Election papers to be returned to the presiding officer (Diocesan Secretary) New Synod takes Office on the 1st August   {cms_selflink page="committees" text="Click here to read about the structures of the Church of England"} Click here to download a leaflet from the Diocese of York about its Diocesan... Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:01:30 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/393/477/2009-Elections-to-Diocesan-Synod.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/367/477/Rain-Tax.html Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:01:30 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/367/477/Rain-Tax.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/366/477/Debt---Call-to-Prayer.html Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:08:08 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/366/477/Debt---Call-to-Prayer.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/351/477/Farewell-to-the-Bishop-of-Carlisle.html Numbers in the Cathedral are limited and so admission to the Cathedral is by ticket only, with two tickets being allocated to each parish (one for clergy and one for laity), and other tickets for guests from round the county and more widely.  There is a waiting list for returned tickets, but as at today (4th March) it is likely that all those on the waiting list will be able to have tickets.  Ring Rose Castle (016974 76274) to go on the waiting list. The service is to be relayed by CCTV to St Cuthbert's Church, and admission to... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:27:18 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/351/477/Farewell-to-the-Bishop-of-Carlisle.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/349/477/The-Appointment-of-a-new-Bishop.html We have now completed our work, and have been very grateful for the prayers of the diocese. A public announcement about the appointment of a new Bishop may reasonably be expected in two to three months time. In the meantime please respect the fact that we are bound by a strict code of confidentiality. George Howe   Please continue to pray for the whole process of discernment that, through it, God will call a true shepherd and minister of Christ to serve with us in this diocese. Dear God and Father, call to serve among us... Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:01:39 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/349/477/The-Appointment-of-a-new-Bishop.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/333/477/Environment-Policy.html Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:06:00 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/333/477/Environment-Policy.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/331/477/February-09-Graham-FAREWELL-TO-CUMBRIA.html and we shall hope to return in holiday mode to spend more relaxed time in some of the spots which we long to explore. I have also been blessed with outstanding colleagues: the team work I have known has exceeded anything I had experienced previously. Particular highlights for me are the long walk (315 miles) in the Spring of 2002, along with the two subsequent walks in 2003 and 2005, and the visit of the Archbishop of York in September 2006. Only two months of my ministry had passed when the Foot and Mouth epidemic began. Some saw this... Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:44:12 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/331/477/February-09-Graham-FAREWELL-TO-CUMBRIA.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/330/477/January-09-James-CONSPICUOUS-COMPASSION.html Soon after the Princess's funeral I invited the then Dean of Westminster (Wesley Carr) to come and talk with clergy in Chester Diocese where I was working. He spoke brilliantly - and I was especially struck by his comment that during the week before the Abbey service he received no less than a million e-mails, mostly from people who had never met Diana, telling him what he ought to do and say (and how he ought to do and say it!) What business was it of theirs, I wondered? Then there were the mountains of flowers - the massive... Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:41:34 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/330/477/January-09-James-CONSPICUOUS-COMPASSION.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/329/477/December-08-Graham-When-Money-Becomes-Our-Idol.html The sober mood indicates a degree of chastening. All over the world massive debt has built up. In order to keep satisfying our greed for more, households, banks and even nations have borrowed far too much - households to have expensive mortgages and more goods; nations to finance hospitals, education, roads and armies; banks to lend with a view to greater profits. And then - panic set in - loans might turn bad. Very quickly, banks were unable to borrow to meet their current lending obligations. Confidence collapsed; shares were sold; loans were unavailable. We call it the ‘credit crunch'.... Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:38:51 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/329/477/December-08-Graham-When-Money-Becomes-Our-Idol.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/328/477/November-08-James-FAITH-AND-INTEGRITY.html Disabled children would tarnish the image of perfection. It was not until the collapse of Communism that we realised these homes even existed." There are times when Christians are tempted to behave in the same sort of way. When ‘life' and how it turns out doesn't fit their image of God they try to ignore life and pretend there is no problem. Sometimes they even deny the evidence that is there before their very eyes. For example, Christians who argue that God created the world at a particular moment a few thousand years ago suggest that fossils have been... Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:34:43 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/328/477/November-08-James-FAITH-AND-INTEGRITY.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/323/477/Memorial-Service-for-Bishop-Ian-Harland.html Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:47:44 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/323/477/Memorial-Service-for-Bishop-Ian-Harland.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/322/477/Changes-at-the-Resource-centre.html Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:59:42 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/322/477/Changes-at-the-Resource-centre.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/321/477/Zimbabwe---from-Christian-Aid.html Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:21:36 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/321/477/Zimbabwe---from-Christian-Aid.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/320/477/Mission-Shaped-Ministry.html Sat, 13 Dec 2008 22:58:16 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/320/477/Mission-Shaped-Ministry.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/309/477/Debt.html Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:53:46 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/309/477/Debt.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/307/477/Country-Life-Village-Church-for-Village-Life-Award.html The award seeks to discover the finest example of a historic, rural parish church that has successfully engaged the wider community to create a focus for village life in the 21st century. Those who nominate churches will be asked to demonstrate that the whole community - worshipers and non-worshippers alike - has played an active role in the relevant project. In addition, this year the award is being expanded to include projects that make use of ‘God's own acre' (the churchyard), and to recognise those that have attempted to make their churches environmentally sustainable. The 2008 competition received... Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:39:13 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/307/477/Country-Life-Village-Church-for-Village-Life-Award.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/306/477/Vacancy-in-See-Committee-and-Crown-Nominations-Commission.html The following were elected from the Carlisle Diocese Vacancy in See Committee to the Crown Nominations Commission: Mr Peter Baxter Mr Michael Bonner The Revd Ferial Etherington The Ven George Howe The Vicarage, Windermere Rd, Lindale in Cartmel, Grange over Sands LA11 6LB 015395 34717 archdeacon.south@carlislediocese.org.uk Mr Derek Hurton c/o Church House, West Walls, Carlisle CA3 8UE 01228 522573 diocesan.secretary@carlislediocese.org.uk The Revd Canon Colin Randall Holme Eden Vicarage, Warwick Bridge, Carlisle 01228 560332 colinrandall@mac.com   The Crown Nominations Commission comprises the two Archbishops, these six elected from Carlisle Diocese, and six elected... Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:04:55 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/306/477/Vacancy-in-See-Committee-and-Crown-Nominations-Commission.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/292/477/October-08-Graham-CITIZENSHIP.html The Ethiopians come from a war torn and famine affected country, yet they lead the world in long-distance running. The Jamaicans are sprinters with a 1, 2, 3 in the women's 100 metres, and what about the extraordinary new world records of Usain Bolt! It was good to hear of people cheering on the streets of Jamaica and watching on huge screens erected in Addis Abbaba. There is something about the Olympics in which national pride takes a huge place. And there is also something about celebration which is vital for a healthy life. Celebrations in the UK still... Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:23:08 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/292/477/October-08-Graham-CITIZENSHIP.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/291/477/September-08-James-ARE-FATHERS-NECESSARY.html Fathers are there to provide consoling hugs. They are there to provide a role model for their sons and an example of unconditional love for their daughters. They are there to do the most important thing they can for their children, which as Henry Ward Beecher once famously observed is to ‘love their mother'. It is no accident that nature requires a man as well as a woman to provide a child. Children need a father as well as a mother. That is how it has always been. But according to our society, that is not how it should... Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:19:54 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/291/477/September-08-James-ARE-FATHERS-NECESSARY.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/289/477/new-Archdeacon-of-West-Cumberland.html Richard's last Sunday at St Cuthbert's will be 4th January, and he will be licensed to his responsibilities as Archdeacon on Tues 20th January 2009 at 7.30pm at Str John's Hensingham. He will continue as Communications Officer until a new Communications Officer is appointed. The Bishop of Carlisle said, "I am very pleased that Richard will continue his service of the Diocese in this new role. His experience and knowledge of the Diocese will be important at this time of change, his pastoral skills and hopefulness will be appreciated in West Cumbria, and his energy and vision will support... Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:03:43 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/289/477/new-Archdeacon-of-West-Cumberland.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/290/477/Praying-for-the-appointment-of-a-new-Bishop.html The Vacancy in See Committee in the diocese hopes the whole process can be surrounded and supported by prayer. A prayer has been prepared for use widely across the diocese. In addition, three services (one in each Archdeaconry) will give particular focus for these prayers during the visit of the Appointment Secretaries. Services will be held on Wed. November 12th - at 9.30am at St Bridget's, Moresby - at 12.10pm at Holy Trinity Kendal - at 12.30pm at Carlisle Cathedral You are warmly invited to attend. Please pray for - the members of the Vacancy in See committee... Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:53:15 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/290/477/Praying-for-the-appointment-of-a-new-Bishop.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/276/477/Process-of-appointing-new-Bishop---public-meeting.html The purpose of the meeting is for the Vacancy in See Committee to listen to views about the needs of the diocese in relation to the appointment of a new Bishop of Carlisle. The meeting will be in Carlisle, in St Cuthbert's Vestry (or in St Cuthbert's Church if the attendance exceeds 70). In attendance will be the Archbishops' Appointments Secretary, and the Prime Minister's Appointments Secretary. All are welcome. There is parking in the Church House Car Park, and in the nearby Viaduct Estate Car Park, which is a "Secured by Design" Car Park. If... Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:58:17 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/276/477/Process-of-appointing-new-Bishop---public-meeting.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/275/477/new-Archdeacon-of-Carlisle.html A graduate of the University of Cambridge in Economics and History, Kevin trained for ordination at St. John's College, Nottingham after a year teaching in Sudan. He was curate at Beverley Minster and curate in charge at Woodley in Oxfordshire, before moving to Shropshire 17 years ago. His wife, Anne, is also ordained and is Chaplain and Head of RE at Prestfelde School in Shrewsbury. They have three children, Elise (24), Adam (23) and Jonathan (20). Kevin is a passionate Middlesborough fan and enjoys photography, reading modern literature and playing the trumpet. Kevin said, "I am delighted that Anne... Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:31:00 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/275/477/new-Archdeacon-of-Carlisle.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/274/477/Rydal-Hall-wins-Cumbria-in-Bloom-awards.html The awards were held at Houghton Hall Garden Centre, near Carlisle, on 4th September and Rydal Hall was proud to be presented with the South Lakeland Trophy Award for Tourism in the Borough, for the recently restored Formal Gardens and the Hall's diverse surrounding estate areas. The Rydal Hall Community Vegetable Garden was also presented with a Merit in the RHS Neighbourhood award category. All the credit must go to the team of volunteers who use and care for the garden, and have made it the success that it is. The Rydal Hall management team would like to... Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:28:32 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/274/477/Rydal-Hall-wins-Cumbria-in-Bloom-awards.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/261/477/August-08-Graham-Doing-The-Lambeth-Walk.html The Lambeth Conference has a long history going back into the 19th Century. It normally happens every 10 years. Molly and I were present in 1998, when I was Bishop of Willesden. I remember how moving it was to meet a bishop who had bullet holes in his vehicle (Rwanda), whose wife had been killed by outlaws (Northern Uganda) or who struggled with persecution (Iran). 'If one member suffers, all suffer', says St. Paul. There is something wonderful about people from the world-wide Church coming together as one family; the faith of many of these bishops was radiant, in spite... Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:13:24 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/261/477/August-08-Graham-Doing-The-Lambeth-Walk.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/260/477/July-08-James-Doing-God.html So I was intrigued to come across Tony Blair's justification of his press secretary's famous comment in a recent speech on ‘Faith and Globalisation'. Blair pointed out that in our culture, admitting to some sort of faith "leads to a whole series of suppositions". First: "You may be considered weird. Normal people aren't supposed to ‘do God'." That's certainly how it is for many young people today. Their peers - and sometimes, according to one confirmation candidate, even their parents - assume that they have become freaky or grown two heads. It also applies to adults. How strange that... Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:10:03 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/260/477/July-08-James-Doing-God.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/259/477/Harvest-for-the-Hungry.html Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:05:36 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/259/477/Harvest-for-the-Hungry.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/257/477/Retirement-of-Bishop-of-Carlisle.html Bishop Graham will have been Bishop of Carlisle for a little over eight years - he began work here at the beginning of December 2000. Before that, he was Area Bishop of Willesden for 8 years, and before that Vicar of Holy Trinity, Coventry, for 11 years. (Further biographical details below.) Significant Dates He celebrates the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on 29th Sept 2008, with a service at 8am in Carlisle Cathedral. His farewell service will be in Carlisle Cathedral on Saturday 28th March2009 at 2.30 pm. He actually finishes working in the Diocese on... Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:23:37 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/257/477/Retirement-of-Bishop-of-Carlisle.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/254/477/St-Beuno-s-Spirituality-Centre.html St Beuno's is a Jesuit run Spirituality Centre situated in beautiful countryside in North Wales.  It is an ideal Centre for retreats as well as our various seminars and longer programmes on Ignation Spirituality. The Centre is renowened for its warm welcome and quite atmosphere The celebrated Jesuit poet, Gerard Mnaley Hopkins, who did much of his studies at St Beuno's, was inspired by the natural beauty of North wales to write some of his best poetry. IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY 3 Month Spitituality program Spiritual Direction Courses RETREATS Full Spiritual Exercises Individually Guided... Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:26:58 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/254/477/St-Beuno-s-Spirituality-Centre.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/231/477/A-Cumbrian-Alphabet.html ...which celebrates the life and history of our churches in Cumbria . andnbsp; Some of those churches are featured inside. andnbsp; Between them, they provide examples of an entire andlsquo;Cumbrian Alphabetandrsquo; of Christianity. I think straight away of the huge variety of Activities which take place under the auspices of the church andndash; from toddler groups to old peoplesandrsquo; lunches; and give thanks (most of the time!) for our amazing Buildings : everything from St Olafandrsquo;s at Wasdale Head to the glorious Priory at Cartmel. But of course, the andlsquo;churchandrsquo; is whatandrsquo;s left when the buildings... Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:32:31 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/231/477/A-Cumbrian-Alphabet.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/221/477/Where-can-I-get-married.html Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:33 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/221/477/Where-can-I-get-married.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/209/477/June-08-Graham-The-Importance-of-Choosing-Right-Values.html In other words, we cannot expect to choose one set of values for our dealings with one another and yet presume that God will deal otherwise (ie. more kindly) with us. The first example is forgiveness . In the Lordandrsquo;s Prayer we say, andlsquo;Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.andrsquo; The implication is that we cannot expect God to forgive our many sins unless we have fully forgiven all who have done wrong to us. Why is that? Because either forgiveness is our chosen value, or it isnandrsquo;t. We cannot have it from God... Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:12:40 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/209/477/June-08-Graham-The-Importance-of-Choosing-Right-Values.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/208/477/May-08-James-Blessing.html A child eats some chocolate cake at a birthday party and ends up with more chocolate on his face than in his mouth. andnbsp; andlsquo;Ah, blessandrsquo; says an amused neighbour. andnbsp; An old (or not so old!) person struggles with a television remote-control. andnbsp; andlsquo;Ah, bless: let me do itandrsquo; says a rather younger member of the family. andnbsp; In both cases, friendly andndash; but a little patronising. andnbsp; andlsquo;Blessingandrsquo; someone today often suggests that we know best and are somehow superior. andnbsp; It is well meant andndash; but rather misses the point. The point is of course that... Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:10:45 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/208/477/May-08-James-Blessing.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/207/477/April-08-Graham-Writing-encouraging-letters.html This is the saying of Cumbria andrsquo;s last squire parson, Gervase Markham, who died after Christmas at Morland House at the age of 97. It is a word of great wisdom and one which Gervase lived up to himself. In the last few years of his long life he made a rule to write a letter of appreciation, support or sympathy every day. As a result he left in peopleandrsquo;s hands hundreds of letters which had brought encouragement and were treasured by those who received them. Most people like receiving letters. In our household there is even competition for... Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:08:16 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/207/477/April-08-Graham-Writing-encouraging-letters.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/206/477/March-08-James-The-Art-of-Dying.html Western society is andlsquo;death denyingandrsquo; and many younger people have never seen a dead body. andnbsp; Talk of death conjures up all sorts of primitive fears andndash; of everything from the unknown to pain, and from loneliness to corruption and decay. andnbsp; We all know that one day we shall surely die; but like Woody Allen, we donandrsquo;t want to achieve immortality through hard work and success. andnbsp; We want to achieve it by not dying. How things have changed! andnbsp; In the 16 th and 17 th centuries, surrounded as they were by pox, pestilence and war, people... Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:05:41 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/206/477/March-08-James-The-Art-of-Dying.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/205/477/January-08-James-Joy.html Instead, he finds andldquo;something dreary and absurdandrdquo;. andnbsp; Reading that, I wondered which andlsquo;believersandrsquo; he has ever met. andnbsp; The ones I know andndash; especially here in Cumbria andndash; may not always be happy, but they have a quality of joyfulness which is deeply infectious. That, of course, is exactly how it should be. andnbsp; Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit, and Jesus said to his disciples andldquo;These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be completeandrdquo;. (Jn 15.11). andnbsp; Our joy andlsquo;being completeandrsquo; means... Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:00:57 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/205/477/January-08-James-Joy.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/180/477/Called-to-Serve-2008-9.html Sun, 04 May 2008 22:49:52 +0100 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/180/477/Called-to-Serve-2008-9.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/130/477/Annual-Meeting-Pack.html Mon, 03 Mar 2008 01:39:35 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/130/477/Annual-Meeting-Pack.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/108/477/February-08-Graham-Generosity.html For example - someone gives far more to us than we might expect. It is not learnt from books; it is caught from others. We see it and we like it. It behoves Christians to be generous; for God is very generous and we are his children. How do we know he is generous? He doesn't hold against us what we get wrong; he forgives completely when we ask him to. He is always seeking to do good to us. He gives us families and friends, food and opportunity. But we tend to take his generous gifts for granted;... Sat, 02 Feb 2008 14:44:39 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/108/477/February-08-Graham-Generosity.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/87/477/Lent-Course-2008.html Sun, 30 Dec 2007 16:07:15 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/87/477/Lent-Course-2008.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/81/477/St-Monica-and-St-Mary-Charity.html 1. Any single person male or female who has the care and custody of a child or children or who being a woman is expecting a child; the child or children in the care or custody of that person; provision, or assistance towards provision, for the needs of one-parent families through the establishment or management of residential accommodation. 2. For the purpose of this Scheme the expression single person shall mean any person male or female who is unmarried, widowed, or separated. The Management Trustees may not apply income of the Charity directly in relief of council tax, other... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:47:29 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/81/477/St-Monica-and-St-Mary-Charity.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/80/477/S-E-Asia-Disaster-Appeal-for-Madras-Diocese.html We have been in touch with them to express our concern and solidarity, to assure them of our prayers, and to ask what we can do to help. As a result the Bishop of Carlisle has set up an appeal to all the Churches in the Diocese of Carlisle on Sundays 2nd, 9th and 16th January. Letter from the Bishop of Carlisle to all Churches in Carlisle Diocese: The Bishop of Carlisle The Right Reverend Graham Dow Rose Castle, Dalston, Carlisle CA5 7BZ 01697476274 Fax 01697476550 bishop.carlisle@carlislediocese.org.uk 29th December 2004 Dear friends Madras and... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:46:51 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/80/477/S-E-Asia-Disaster-Appeal-for-Madras-Diocese.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/79/477/Contested-Faculties.html Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:46:08 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/79/477/Contested-Faculties.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/78/477/Parish-Share-Review-Consultation.html Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:45:11 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/78/477/Parish-Share-Review-Consultation.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/77/477/committee-election-results-2006.html Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:44:42 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/77/477/committee-election-results-2006.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/76/477/Clergy-Survey-2006---Results.html Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:29:52 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/76/477/Clergy-Survey-2006---Results.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/75/477/Reader-Ministry-Today-by-Graham.html In many dioceses the number coming forward for Reader training remains buoyant. But with the growth of other forms of lay ministry, some Readers find themselves unsure what is distinctive about their ministry. It was with this in mind that I addressed the Reader Ministry officers of each diocese at Nottingham University in April. Readers need to know how their ministry differs from other lay ministers and why their ministry is important. Uncertainty about this is just one factor affecting the recruiting of younger Readers. To set the discussion in context we start with a view of the historical... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:26:48 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/75/477/Reader-Ministry-Today-by-Graham.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/74/477/A-STATEMENT-BY-THE-BISHOP-OF-CARLISLE-5-July-07.html In the telephone interview, initiated by the journalist, he sought to draw me into offering a statement about in what way the recent floods might be perceived as Godandrsquo;s action or judgment. I unwisely allowed myself to be drawn. Having an interest in the Book of Revelation, I discussed the connections between firstly the power of institutions to affect moral behaviour, secondly Godandrsquo;s judgment of our behaviour and thirdly the destruction caused on earth which features in those scriptures. It is in this general context that the remarks about strong and definite judgment were made. In considering the possible... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:26:00 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/74/477/A-STATEMENT-BY-THE-BISHOP-OF-CARLISLE-5-July-07.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/72/477/Bishop-s-letters-February-07-James.html andldquo;Marriage is popularandrdquo; wrote George Barnard Shaw, andldquo;because it combines the maximum of temptation with the maximum of opportunity.andrdquo; Since then, nothing much has changed about marriage andndash; except its popularity. Perhaps thatandrsquo;s partly because of the cost of a wedding, which is now (on average) more than andpound;12,000. Perhaps itandrsquo;s because young (or not so young) couples are put off the idea of marriage by the alarming divorce statistics (not far off 50%). Or perhaps itandrsquo;s because people simply canandrsquo;t see the point of a andldquo;piece of paperandrdquo;. andldquo;We love each otherandrdquo; one cohabiting woman said to me... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:17:25 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/72/477/Bishop-s-letters-February-07-James.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/71/477/Bishop-s-letters-January-07-Graham.html Religious issues seem to be coming to the fore in our country: one of the most recently publicised being about what a person of faith may wear at work. British Airways allows Sikh turbans but disallows a small cross round the neck, on the grounds that no personal jewellery is permitted. A Muslim classroom assistant in Dewsbury is not permitted to wear the veil in a Church of England school. God requires our worship. So we may say that freedom to worship God is a basic human right and is something that we should protect for all human... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:16:37 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/71/477/Bishop-s-letters-January-07-Graham.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/70/477/Bishop-s-letters-December-06-Graham.html In the first century of the Church, the Christians boldly made a new assertion; and it was made in the face of all kinds of difficulty. God is good, they insisted. He stretches his arms of love over the whole world and acts for our good. At that time, there were many wars; and the Church was persecuted. Many people saw the world as an evil place from which the soul must escape. But the Christians held on to what their faith taught them. God is good. If we pray he will help us; it is his will to... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:15:31 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/70/477/Bishop-s-letters-December-06-Graham.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/69/477/Bishop-s-letters-November-06-Graham.html Through our Church schools there is the opportunity for encouraging Christian faith, an opportunity which stretches out far wider in scope than the contact with the regular parish congregations. Where Church congregations are growing steadily older, then, for the church of the future in our villages, we must look to the Church School as a place where we can reach out to our children and young people. Here are children who are glad to worship God and to pray. Hopefully they have parents who are willing to join with them. But when would be the best time for this... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:14:43 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/69/477/Bishop-s-letters-November-06-Graham.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/68/477/Bishop-s-letters-October-06-Graham.html Do children need fathers? Recent announcements about IVF treatment for women have raised the issue of the place of the father in a family unit in which children are raised. Is it right for such treatment to be available to women where there is no father in the home? Of course, it is well-known that many children are raised in families where there is no father present. Is the childandrsquo;s upbringing adversely affected? Where gangs of youths oppress or intimidate the residents of estates, it is commonly said that such young lads have no good male models. So is... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:13:44 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/68/477/Bishop-s-letters-October-06-Graham.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/67/477/Bishop-s-letters-September-06-Graham.html The appointment of John Sentamu as Archbishop of York is one of the Church of England's most exciting appointments. We are privileged in the diocese to be receiving a second visit from him this year. Born on a missionary compound in Uganda, as a weak child, he was baptised at his mother's instructions, by the local bishop, as Sentamu, the tribal family name. The following day his father insisted that he bore the name of the missionary John Tucker. His full name is John Tucker Mugabe Sentamu. Known as John in London, when he went to be Bishop... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:12:58 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/67/477/Bishop-s-letters-September-06-Graham.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/66/477/Bishop-s-letters-August-06-James.html "Are you famous?" The question came from a seven year old boy at a primary school I was visiting. Admitting that I wasn't, I watched his face drop and interest wane. Oh dear. But perhaps fame is rather like being a Leader - or, for that matter, a Lady. As Margaret Thatcher once remarked, if you have to tell people you are either - you're probably not. However that childandrsquo;s reaction made me reflect on what many commentators now call our 'celebrity cultureandrsquo;. Raised on a televisual diet of programmes such as 'Celebrity Love Islandandrsquo;, 'Celebrity Big Brotherandrsquo; and... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:12:02 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/66/477/Bishop-s-letters-August-06-James.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/65/477/Bishop-s-letters-July-06-Graham.html Suddenly everyone is talking about happiness. The study of happiness is becoming an industry, even a science. And andlsquo;Quote me happyandrsquo; is how Norwich Union advertise their products.. David Cameron has joined the advocates, saying, andlsquo;we should be thinking not just what is good for putting money in peopleandrsquo;s pockets but what is good for putting joy in peopleandrsquo;s hearts.andrsquo; As a possible future government leader, I hope he took note of the poll done for the BBCandrsquo;s series andlsquo;The Happiness Formulaandrsquo;. The results were reported on the 10andrsquo;o clock news in early May. Whereas in 1957, 52%... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:10:59 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/65/477/Bishop-s-letters-July-06-Graham.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/64/477/Bishop-s-letters-June-06-James.html In order to grow, lobsters sometimes have to leave their shells. If they donandrsquo;t, what has been their home and chief means of protection becomes first their prison, then their coffin. But there is a painfully vulnerable time for every lobster between discarding the old and growing the new. The temptation to crawl back into the old shell and pretend thereandrsquo;s no problem must be huge. The same applies to us in everyday life. Letting go is an essential part of human growth. Teenagers have to let go of childhood if theyandrsquo;re to andlsquo;grow upandrsquo;. Adults have to let... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:10:14 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/64/477/Bishop-s-letters-June-06-James.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/63/477/Bishop-s-letters-May-06-Graham.html People are looking for wisdom. It may be wisdom about bringing up children or looking after ageing parents or about facing serious illness or dealing with debt. Inwardly we are crying, andlsquo;how shall we cope?andrsquo; We may seek wisdom about insurance or investment or even about buying cars or computers or sound systems. It can all be so stressful! So we look around for magazines like WHICH exist to meet our longing for the received wisdom about the matter in hand. andldquo;Life is difficultandrdquo;, is how the American psychiatrist, Scott Peck begins his first chapter, in his well-known book,... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:08:37 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/63/477/Bishop-s-letters-May-06-Graham.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/62/477/Bishop-s-letters-April-06-James.html andlsquo;Accountabilityandrsquo; is a buzz word in our society at present. For instance, ever since the shooting of Jean-Charles de Menezes in Stockwell tube station, journalists and others have been raising the issue of police accountability. Should officers with guns be prosecuted when they kill the wrong person by mistake? Who bears responsibility for tragic errors of this kind? What does accountability mean in an increasingly violent and litigious culture? Then there was the bizarre case of the andlsquo;fake rockandrsquo; in Moscow. Once again, reporters were on the warpath, this time with the Intelligence Services in their sights. andldquo;Why are... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:07:48 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/62/477/Bishop-s-letters-April-06-James.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/61/477/Bishop-s-letters-March-06-Graham.html For many centuries, children in the Church of England have waited until Confirmation before receiving Holy Communion. Confirmation is an important time. It is when those who were baptised much younger publicly announce their faith in Christ and their decision to be a Christian. If the decision is to be made with understanding it probably should not be before the child is at least between 12 and 14 years of age. But Holy Communion feeds us. We say that we are sorry for our sins and hear Godandrsquo;s words of forgiveness. We celebrate in words of joyful thankfulness the... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:06:59 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/61/477/Bishop-s-letters-March-06-Graham.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/60/477/Bishop-s-letters-February-06-James.html One of the first people I met in Carlisle Diocese was David Ella, who was then our Evangelism Adviser. He told me of his plans to bring the famous andlsquo;Walk of 1000 Menandrsquo; to Cumbria, and gained my immediate attention and support. I knew about these Walking Missions because their founder, Daniel Cozens, was a near neighbour in Ely Diocese and came to lead a Mission in my parish. I had also heard very positive reports from people who had taken part in andlsquo;Walksandrsquo; all over the country. Where better, I thought, than our Cumbrian walkersandrsquo; paradise to follow... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:06:17 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/60/477/Bishop-s-letters-February-06-James.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/59/477/Bishop-s-letters-January-06-Graham.html The name Nelson Mandela is well-known. He was released from prison in South Africa in 1990, having endured 28years in prison for leading an organisation fighting for the rights of black people. It was just four years later, in 1994, that he became the first black President of the nation. He entered prison an angry freedom fighter. He emerged with the sole desire to build a new nation with equal opportunities for everyone, of whatever ethnic background. The influence of Christian teaching on Mandela in his youth formed the man he is. His own spirit of forgiveness and... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:05:23 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/59/477/Bishop-s-letters-January-06-Graham.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/58/477/Bishop-s-letters-December-05-James.html This month the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (CPA) comes into effect. For the first time, two people of the same sex will be able to acquire a new legal status by registering a civil partnership with each other. The Government has estimated that many thousands of such partnerships may be registered during the next five years. This raises a number of important andndash; and potentially contentious andndash; issues for the Church. Five of them deserve particular mention. The first is Marriage, which is regarded by the Church of England as andlsquo;a creation ordinance, a gift of God in... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:04:44 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/58/477/Bishop-s-letters-December-05-James.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/57/477/Bishop-s-letters-November-05-The-Dean.html All too often we see a yellow sign beside our roads. It is an appeal for witnesses following a fatal road crash. In a moment our journey has taken us past the sign and other things demand our attention. But behind each and every such road crash sign, we know, is a personal tragedy. The statistics are chilling. 10 people die in crashes on British roads every day; 1000s more are injured. In Cumbria, from April 2003 to March 2004, 50 people were killed as a result of road traffic collisions; sadly the period April 2004 to March 2005... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:03:52 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/57/477/Bishop-s-letters-November-05-The-Dean.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/56/477/Bishop-s-letters-October-05-James.html The novelist Somerset Maugham once said andldquo;Only a mediocre person is always at his bestandrdquo;. Mediocre people are the ones who never take risks, who always andlsquo;play it safeandrsquo; andndash; and I fear thatandrsquo;s the direction in which our society is heading. Every teacher knows how long it takes to complete andlsquo;risk assessmentandrsquo; forms at School, and recent reports suggest that geography field trips may soon be a thing of the past because they are andlsquo;too riskyandrsquo;. Of course, it would be absurd to encourage reckless behaviour. But I know Iandrsquo;m not alone in feeling that our andlsquo;risk-aversionandrsquo; isnandrsquo;t... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:03:03 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/56/477/Bishop-s-letters-October-05-James.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/55/477/Bishop-s-letters-September-05-James.html Ambrose Bierce, author of andlsquo;The Devilandrsquo;s Dictionaryandrsquo;, once remarked that reality is nothing more than andldquo;the dream of a mad philosopherandrdquo;. Perhaps he was thinking of Plato, who regarded reality as an eternal and timeless absolute and who set a debate going which still rumbles on today. Post-modernists insist that there is no such thing as reality. If thatandrsquo;s what you want andndash; create your own. Others maintain that what you can see and touch is real. Anything else is a figment of your imagination. But andlsquo;realityandrsquo; isnandrsquo;t only of interest to philosophers. The media like it too.... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:02:24 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/55/477/Bishop-s-letters-September-05-James.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/54/477/Bishop-s-letters-August-05-Graham.html The campaign to Make Poverty History is true to Christian values and the momentum of this summer must not be lost. Jesus told a story known as Dives and Lazarus about a very rich man who did nothing for the poor man who lay starving at his gate. The rich man finished up in torment, the poor man with Abraham in heaven. The rich man then asked Abraham that others on earth be warned of the consequences of ignoring the poor. andlsquo;They have the prophetsandrsquo;, Abraham replied. In other words, The Bible confirms what people should know instinctively: that we... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:01:39 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/54/477/Bishop-s-letters-August-05-Graham.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/53/477/Bishop-s-letters-July-05-James.html Advertisements fascinate me. As a teenager, I used to cut some of the best adverts out of colour supplements and magazines and paste them into scrapbooks (I still do occasionally andndash; but theyandrsquo;re not what they used to be!) When I go to the cinema, I hate missing the commercials and trailers before the main feature; and I even quite enjoy the breaks on ITV and Channel 4. All of which makes me sound like a Marketing Managerandrsquo;s dream! But that same Marketing Manager might not be so thrilled if he or she knew how I was analysing and... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:00:59 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/53/477/Bishop-s-letters-July-05-James.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/52/477/Bishop-s-letters-June-05-Graham.html At the beginning of April we saw the most extraordinary scenes as we witnessed the death of John Paul II. Media reporters reflected the feelings of hundreds of thousands in admiration for this widely travelled apostle, whose radiant faith evoked faith in others everywhere he went. He was praised for his unflinching, if controversial, stand for truth. So public was his dying that we were assured that he was 'touching the Lord'; we saw that a faith firmly built on Christ can face infirmity with courage and has no fear of death. It was a most moving few days.... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:00:14 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/52/477/Bishop-s-letters-June-05-Graham.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/51/477/Bishop-s-letters-May-05-James.html My rather limited experience of television in recent months suggests that any programme which isnandrsquo;t andlsquo;reality TVandrsquo; or some sort of makeover spectacle is likely to be a police drama. That suits me fine: I love them all, from Inspector Linley to Midsomer Murders. And one of the lessons which emerges again and again as the sleuths pursue their quarry is the importance of an open mind. Leap to hasty conclusions or make a few false assumptions and youandrsquo;ll soon find yourself down a cul-de-sac. Thatandrsquo;s exactly where so many of our peers do find themselves today, precisely... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 14:59:31 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/51/477/Bishop-s-letters-May-05-James.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/50/477/Bishop-s-letters-April-05-Graham.html An election is not far away. Those in faith communities would particularly want to ask; andlsquo;What does God think about our nation?andrsquo; For Christians an obvious source is the biblical prophets who directed many of their words to their nation. They spoke for God the Creator who seeks justice and righteousness in his world. What God has to say to our nation today is likely to be in the same vein. Here are the principle targets of the prophetandrsquo;s criticism: andbull; Lack of truth and dishonest dealing andbull; Widespread stealing and murder and bloodshed andbull; Oppression of the poor by... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 14:58:45 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/50/477/Bishop-s-letters-April-05-Graham.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/49/477/Bishop-s-letters-March-05-James.html Having dominated news reports for weeks, the Asian tsunami is no longer making headlines. Problems nearer home and the forthcoming General Election are taking centre stage. But, of course, the devastating effects of the earthquake and tidal wave havenandrsquo;t faded along with the coverage. Thatandrsquo;s why we need a long-term perspective on the relief effort. This will come in part from the way in which our Diocesan gift is used. Individuals and Churches have been wonderfully generous, and every pound that we have given will go a long way in South India. Five of us spent a fortnight... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 14:57:36 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/49/477/Bishop-s-letters-March-05-James.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/48/477/Bishop-s-letters-February-05-Graham.html Was he powerless to prevent it? Or did he not care? The tsunami tidal wave affecting South-East Asia has caused such great loss and suffering that people of every faith will be challenged. There are no quick answers; and the challenges to faith go well beyond the scope of this article to address. It is good that the world is responding with far-reaching offers of aid. Human suffering has the power to touch our nerves of love and compassion. Perhaps that is part of its divine purpose. The world has always been difficult. We know enough geologically to understand... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 14:56:44 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/48/477/Bishop-s-letters-February-05-Graham.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/47/477/Bishop-s-letters-January-05-James-Victim-sof-Spin.html As Forrest Gump might have put it: Life is rather like a game of cricket. The Christians have been put in to bat andndash; and the spin weandrsquo;re up against is a barrage of false assumptions. These assumptions are deadly, and society (the bowler) delivers them with deceptive simplicity. Time and again, weandrsquo;re tempted out of the crease only to find that the ball has sailed past and the bails have been whipped off. What we thought was going to be straight has swerved round the bat, and up goes the umpireandrsquo;s hand. Some of this spin has to... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:52:25 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/47/477/Bishop-s-letters-January-05-James-Victim-sof-Spin.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/46/477/Bishop-s-letters-December-04-Graham-CHRISTMAS-AND-COMING-ALONGSIDE-THE-WEAKEST.html God puts a young woman into pregnancy, and her husband-to-be wants to end the engagement until an angel intervenes. In a country occupied by enemy soldiers, Mary has to travel miles in discomfort to Bethlehem and gives birth amongst animals. Joseph presumably cleans up all around the cattle; Mary places her new born in a feeding trough. But the mother of Jesus becomes by far the most esteemed lady in all history. The first visitors come from those least esteemed in society, shepherds, known more for their roughness than their godliness. Hardly the sort of party Mary and Joseph... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:51:39 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/46/477/Bishop-s-letters-December-04-Graham-CHRISTMAS-AND-COMING-ALONGSIDE-THE-WEAKEST.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/45/477/Bishop-s-sermons-Bp-James-sermon-at-Diocesan-Synod-13-Nov-2004.html Talking to young people (including my own children), I periodically hear words and expressions that are new to me and that (usually) I donandrsquo;t understand. You may know the feeling! But I came across a phrase the other day that I thought was really brill, as my youngest daughter might say andndash; andldquo;living it largeandrdquo;. For young people, that means developing the sort of lifestyle that provides them with the maximum possible good time andndash; all the time. From a Christian point of view, that sort of lifestyle often leaves a great deal to be desired! But andldquo;heyandrdquo; (to... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:50:42 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/45/477/Bishop-s-sermons-Bp-James-sermon-at-Diocesan-Synod-13-Nov-2004.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/44/477/Bishop-s-letters-November-04-James-JUSTICE-THAT-RESTORES.html If so, things have certainly changed. Instead of dark, old-fashioned cells, many of the prisoners now have their own well-lit rooms. The food is well-cooked, and the prison officers kind and humane. No wonder some people argue that we are andlsquo;too softandrsquo; on crime and those who commit it. We all know that it costs far more to keep someone in prison than at Eton. But, of course, that is only a fraction of the story. The theme for this yearandrsquo;s andlsquo;Prison Weekandrsquo; (21-27 November) is andlsquo;Justice that Restoresandrsquo;, and a major debate on andlsquo;Restorative Justiceandrsquo; is currently taking... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:49:38 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/44/477/Bishop-s-letters-November-04-James-JUSTICE-THAT-RESTORES.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/43/477/Bishop-s-letters-October-04-Graham-Does-it-Matter-What-I-do-in-Private.html Yet there is unease about this answer, and that unease is well founded. The separation of public and private behaviour needs the strongest challenge. If politicians can’t be trusted to tell the truth to their husbands or wives, how can they be trusted to tell the truth to us? How can someone in the public eye who is not faithful to family relationships help the country to maintain those very values which are vital for a healthy society? They can’t. If we seek a stable and healthy society, based on marital and family stability, then it matters what people do... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:49:07 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/43/477/Bishop-s-letters-October-04-Graham-Does-it-Matter-What-I-do-in-Private.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/42/477/Bishop-s-letters-September-04-James-SERVICE-PLEASE-a.html For a start, the train was apparently andlsquo;the wrong oneandrsquo;, which meant that none of the advance seat bookings applied. Then the lavishly advertised andlsquo;complementary snackandrsquo; and free drinks never materialised. When challenged by other (increasingly irate) passengers, the Train Manager sarcastically replied that he didnandrsquo;t own the train, he just worked on it. Listening to the exchange, I reflected on what a poor advertisement it was for a rail company struggling to shake off its reputation for inefficiency and discomfort. This was hardly the way to boost customer satisfaction. Even my normally tepid blood was beginning to boil! ... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:48:09 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/42/477/Bishop-s-letters-September-04-James-SERVICE-PLEASE-a.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/41/477/Bishop-s-letters-August-04-Graham-The-Archbishops-and-the-Conscience-of-the-Nation.html The Archbishops of Canterbury and York wrote in strong terms to the Prime Minister about Iraq, at the end of June, writing on behalf of all the bishops of the Church of England. Do we think that this is a right and appropriate thing to do? As we might expect, the letter emphasises the priority of rebuilding the country of Iraq. But the area of greatest concern in the letter is the breach of acceptable moral standards in the treatment of Iraqi detainees. It says: andlsquo;The credibility of coalition partners in advocating respect for the law and the... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:47:07 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/41/477/Bishop-s-letters-August-04-Graham-The-Archbishops-and-the-Conscience-of-the-Nation.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/40/477/Bishop-s-letters-July-04-James-Value.html First, the extraordinary and persistent rise in house prices which andndash; to a mere observer andndash; seems to have reached a ludicrous level. As ever more local people and first-time buyers (and retiring clergy) are priced out of the market, I am reminded of the old saying that andldquo;We know the cost of everything and the value of nothingandrdquo;. Iandrsquo;m also reminded of one of my favourite stories about a book dealer who met up with an old friend. The friend told him he had just thrown away an old Bible heandrsquo;d found in his attic. andldquo;I couldnandrsquo;t read... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:43:23 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/40/477/Bishop-s-letters-July-04-James-Value.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/39/477/Bishop-s-letters-June-04-Graham-Going-with-our-culture-or-challenging-it.html To put it positively: Christians believe in God and therefore in authority beyond ourselves. We know that we are not self-sufficient as human beings. We know that we cannot sort out the evil in the world by ourselves, as we are so conspicuously trying to do at the moment and, equally conspicuously, failing. Quite contrary to our present culture, we believe that the way forward is to take God seriously. But to do so is to threaten the pinnacle of fashionable values andndash; choice. The Christian challenge to our culture is well put by Christina Odone, deputy editor of... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:42:12 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/39/477/Bishop-s-letters-June-04-Graham-Going-with-our-culture-or-challenging-it.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/38/477/Bishop-s-letters-May-04-James-Gardens-and-God.html She was a keen and highly accomplished gardener and, even as a child, I enjoyed the glories of her various flower-beds and shrubberies. So Kiplingandrsquo;s words seemed very apt as we recalled her horticultural labours: andldquo;Oh England is a garden, and such gardens are not made. By singing: andlsquo;Oh how beautiful!andrsquo; and sitting in the shadeandrdquo;. Admittedly, Iandrsquo;m no great expert. As Kipling put it: andldquo;And some can pot begonias and some can bud a rose, And some are hardly fit to trust with anything that growsandrdquo;. I fear these last words may apply to me!... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:41:23 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/38/477/Bishop-s-letters-May-04-James-Gardens-and-God.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/37/477/Bishop-s-letters-April-04-Graham-Easter-with-a-difference.html Most people have heard that Jesus changed water into wine at a wedding. In this way he showed his glory, the story says. But the purpose of the story is to show that Jesus makes everyday life far better than it is without him. If you are not too sure about this, I want to invite you to try for yourself. When the first Christians claimed that they had seen Jesus after his death, this was just as unlikely then as it seems today. Can it really be true? And if it is true, does it call for our... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:40:40 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/37/477/Bishop-s-letters-April-04-Graham-Easter-with-a-difference.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/36/477/Bishop-s-letters-March-04-James-Spirituality.html Why? Because the magazine andlsquo;Cosmopolitanandrsquo;, not normally noted for its religious depth, has appointed a andlsquo;Spirituality Editorandrsquo;. Thatandrsquo;s a clever move because andlsquo;spiritualityandrsquo; is what everyone is after nowadays. Itandrsquo;s big on the internet. Itandrsquo;s peddled through countless advertisements and a growing number of New Agey Shops. And it is even discussed in the workplace. The producer of one of our most popular TV soaps recently said that she can talk about her faith at work in a way that wouldnandrsquo;t have been possible a few years ago. But, of course, different people mean different things by andlsquo;spiritualityandrsquo;. The... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:39:56 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/36/477/Bishop-s-letters-March-04-James-Spirituality.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/35/477/Bishop-s-letters-February-04-Graham-How-big-is-God.html But let's put this in perspective. There are billions of stars; the universe is huge. This planet, Earth, is one tiny part of it. How, then, do we react to this? Does it matter that we are so small and know so little about the whole scope of things? Does what happens on earth have any relation at all to what might be happening elsewhere? One response is to say we simply don't know. Certainly, we don't want to commit ourselves to theories that we cannot prove. Perhaps we do better just getting on with caring for this... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:39:16 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/35/477/Bishop-s-letters-February-04-Graham-How-big-is-God.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/34/477/Bishop-s-letters-January-04-James-If-we-say-we-have-no-sin.html The organist may have been surprised by the response - as too was the contributor to a local radio andlsquo;Thought for the Weekandrsquo; slot who happened to mention that the Bible mentions 572 sins. He was inundated with requests for the complete list. Presumably, people thought they might be missing something. We can joke about sin because we know itandrsquo;s such a serious subject. But for many of our contemporaries, thatandrsquo;s all it is: a joke. Some months ago, I watched a drama on television called andlsquo;The Planmanandrsquo;. In it, the hero, played by Robbie Coltrane, said andldquo;I donandrsquo;t... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:38:39 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/34/477/Bishop-s-letters-January-04-James-If-we-say-we-have-no-sin.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/33/477/Bishop-s-letters-December-03-Graham-Christmas-is-a-time-to-forgive.html He writes: 'We need forgiveness. It's what helps us sustain relationships, build marriages that last, stay close to our children and faithful to our friends. We say things that hurt and do things that harm. So do others to us. The mere fact that we can apologise and be forgiven is one of the most blessed gifts of humanity, and it isn't simple at all. It is underwritten by a certain view of the universe, the belief that God forgives'. To leave God out of the reckoning is to throw out forgiveness as well. Forgiveness is at the... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:37:54 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/33/477/Bishop-s-letters-December-03-Graham-Christmas-is-a-time-to-forgive.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/32/477/BIshop-s-letters-November-03-James-Fate.html Take, for example, a young man who went on holiday abroad with his girlfriend last summer. She was struck by lightning as they lay on the beach and subsequently died. He was unharmed. According to one newspaper, he told the reporter, andldquo;It must have been fateandrdquo;. Or how about andlsquo;Pop Idolandrsquo; finalist Rik Waller. Questioned by members of the Bromley Operatic Society, he was asked, andldquo;Do you believe in fate?andrdquo; andldquo;Yes I doandrdquo; he replied. andldquo;If something is meant to be a certain way, then I believe thereandrsquo;s nothing you can do about itandrdquo;. I meet any number... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:35:20 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/32/477/BIshop-s-letters-November-03-James-Fate.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/31/477/Bishop-s-letters-October-03-Graham-The-Importance-of-Family-Meals.html By contrast, however, the practice of family meals is not in good shape. Breakfast is rarely taken together as a family. Children are grabbing a bite before running for the bus or the drive to school. One or other parent is off early to work in our overworking and stressful society. (We work the longest hours in Europe). Lunch is out. Instead of relaxed lunch breaks with colleagues and proper relaxation, a quick sandwich is eaten before returning to work. Sadly, even the evening meal is suffering. The demands of watching a particular TV programme or internet chat... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:27:08 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/31/477/Bishop-s-letters-October-03-Graham-The-Importance-of-Family-Meals.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/30/477/Bishop-s-letters-September-03-James-Time.html Called andlsquo;Timeandrsquo;s Pacesandrsquo; it goes: When I was a child and laughed and wept - Time crept. When I was a youth I waxed more bold - Time strolled. When I became a full grown man - Time ran. When older still I daily grew - Time flew. Soon I shall find Iandrsquo;m passing on - Time gone. O Christ! Will thou have saved me then? Amen. Having arrived at the andlsquo;time flewandrsquo; stage, I can identify with some words of Michel Quoist in one of his andlsquo;Prayers of Lifeandrsquo;. We pass through life running, he says - hurried,... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:26:16 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/30/477/Bishop-s-letters-September-03-James-Time.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/28/477/Bishop-s-letters-August-03-Graham-Why-Marriage-is-So-Important.html 'a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will become one flesh'. (Gen 2.24) In the Genesis story men and women are presented as complementary to each other at a fundamental level in the order of creation. Then there is a definite act of leaving one's family and being joined to the complementary partner. The union is completed by its sign and exclusive symbol, that is, sexual union ('one flesh'). In most societies and in most religions, marriage and its sign are carefully guarded and boundaries preserved. We live in... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:25:11 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/28/477/Bishop-s-letters-August-03-Graham-Why-Marriage-is-So-Important.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/27/477/Bishop-s-letters-July-03-James-Faith-not-sight.html Advancing years have changed all that. Iandrsquo;m fascinated by the relationship between science and religion, and have been as excited as anyone by the Human Genome Project and reminder that this year marks the 50th Anniversary of the discovery of DNA. But the title of Watsonandrsquo;s new book about that discovery, andlsquo;The Secret of Lifeandrsquo;, set me thinking. Surely, there is more to life than just our biological make-up? St Paul certainly thought so. andlsquo;We liveandrsquo;, he said in 2 Corinthians, andlsquo;by faith, not sightandrsquo;. Many scientists would agree. For example, few would now deny the existence of quarks.... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:24:18 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/27/477/Bishop-s-letters-July-03-James-Faith-not-sight.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/26/477/Bishop-s-letters-June-03-Graham-Compensation-and-the-Culture-of-Blame.html There are many cases where financial compensation is appropriate. It is necessary following an incident or personal accident if each person affected is to be well looked after and able to rebuild their life in a thoroughly wholesome way. It is necessary, as in the case of the Foot and Mouth outbreak, where government action (albeit in response to a problem) takes away assets and livelihood. However, there are a growing number of cases where the financial compensation awarded makes little real difference to restoring the life of peace and equilibrium that has been lost, if, in some cases,... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:23:12 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/26/477/Bishop-s-letters-June-03-Graham-Compensation-and-the-Culture-of-Blame.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/25/477/Bishop-s-Letters-May-03-James-If-Only.html Apparently, people also ask for it at funerals from time to time. Of course, itandrsquo;s a stirring song and the tune does tug a bit at the heart-strings: but, as an overall theme for oneandrsquo;s life, I find it rather hard to take. I regret - nothing? Really? Is this the same planet we inhabit, or am I alone in finding myself besieged by regrets of every kind? Judging by any number of conversations, I suspect not. Some people seem to have what one friend of mine calls andlsquo;an infinite capacity for regretandrsquo;. Others simply resort to wistful looks,... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:22:19 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/25/477/Bishop-s-Letters-May-03-James-If-Only.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/24/477/Bishop-s-letters-April-03-Graham-Our-New-Archbishop.html He is warm, thoughtful, highly intelligent and prophetic. His words can touch a small gathering of parishioners. He can also speak to scholars at the highest level. He was chosen for several reasons. First, he has the rare ability to speak in a prophetic way, addressing the issues of the day and in a manner that will be carefully listened to. He will unsettle governments. And more - he will unsettle all of us, just as God's prophets did in Old Testament times. Secondly, he was chosen because he is passionate for God's mission to the world through... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:21:11 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/24/477/Bishop-s-letters-April-03-Graham-Our-New-Archbishop.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/23/477/Bishop-s-letters-March-03-James-Laughter.html According to recent research, two-thirds of the ten year olds who are currently involved with church life in this country will leave during the next two years. For them, andldquo;funandrdquo; is a core value - and not one they find much of in church. Of course, there are plenty of honourable exceptions. I know several churches where laughter is definitely on the menu. But perhaps those tweenagers are right. On the whole, we do tend to make andldquo;religionandrdquo; an awfully solemn and serious business. From the hushed tones of our voices to the dignified pace of our processions, we... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:20:06 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/23/477/Bishop-s-letters-March-03-James-Laughter.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/22/477/Bishop-s-letters-February-03-Graham-James-A-possible-war-with-Iraq.html It is right that there is widespread unease about the preparations being made for an invasion of Iraq. War is a dreadful thing. It creates fear and suffering on a huge scale. It destroys many lives. It leaves people and families scarred for life. It must be avoided, unless the consequences of avoiding it are clearly going to be even worse. Cumbria is a long way from Iraq. But Jesus told us that every human being is our neighbour. This is a time for us to pray earnestly - for war to be avoided, for world leaders including Saddam... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:19:01 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/22/477/Bishop-s-letters-February-03-Graham-James-A-possible-war-with-Iraq.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/21/477/Bishop-s-letters-January-03-James-I-Submit-to-Christ.html He especially enjoyed the andlsquo;submissionsandrsquo; andndash; when one massive wrestler pinned another to the canvas and the crowd shouted out andlsquo;submit, submit!andrsquo; rather like their forebears at gladiator contests in the days of the Roman Empire. As children, my brother and I used to go for the same sort of andlsquo;submissionsandrsquo; in our own andndash; rather tamer andndash; wrestling bouts. Their memory is still quite vivid, so it comes as no surprise to me that andlsquo;submissionandrsquo; of any kind is an unpopular concept in our society. Nowadays, people tend to emphasise their andlsquo;rightsandrsquo; and feel rather suspicious about... Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:10:33 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/21/477/Bishop-s-letters-January-03-James-I-Submit-to-Christ.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/19/477/December-07-Graham-Anxiety-about-our-Children.html A recent UNICEF report, based on a large number of criteria, stated that UK children were the unhappiest amongst the developed European nations. Then we heard that the development of our children is hindered because they are no longer routinely allowed outside to play. Most recently, a consensus of parents, staff and children highlighted three particular causes of the widespread anxiety found amongst our children. They are: fear of family breakdown, fear of violent terrorism and the pressure of repeated tests at school. Nor are these fears groundless. Many children now experience their parentsandrsquo; marriage breakdown, they face pressure at... Fri, 28 Dec 2007 22:20:09 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/19/477/December-07-Graham-Anxiety-about-our-Children.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/18/477/November-07-James-Challenge.html As the title suggests, it is suitably racy and provocative, and not everyone would agree with everything the author says about the ever increasing andlsquo;feminisationandrsquo; of the church. But I frequently found myself nodding in agreement as pithy one-liners followed hot on each otherandrsquo;s heels.andnbsp;For instance:andnbsp;andlsquo;Men want to know God andndash; but want nothing to do with the churchandrsquo;.andnbsp;andlsquo;Even when men are present, often itandrsquo;s in body onlyandrsquo;.andnbsp;andlsquo;Instead of calling men back to church andndash; we need to call church back to menandrsquo;. Murrow points out that trying to create male disciples through andlsquo;churchandrsquo; as it currently is... Fri, 28 Dec 2007 22:18:20 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/18/477/November-07-James-Challenge.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/17/477/October-07-Graham-In-search-of-respect.html Secondary school teachers I have talked to confirm that school is, at times, as much a battle to keep discipline as an opportunity to teach. In consequence, some leave the profession. Respect for teachers is not as it should be. Some parents even collude with their difficult children rather than support the schoolandrsquo;s Head and teachers. The government has highlighted Respect as a key issue which our society faces in the hope that this will bring about change. But respect will not come just by talking about it. I was in discussion recently about these issues with someone who... Fri, 28 Dec 2007 22:16:08 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/17/477/October-07-Graham-In-search-of-respect.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/16/477/September-07-James-Grandparents.html That story prompted me to think about grandparents in general and the very significant part they play in the life of the church.andnbsp;A recent survey by Christian Research showed that more than 25% of churchgoers are grandparents, and many more have great-nephews or nieces.andnbsp;In fact, across the denominations there are more than 850,000 people in England of grandparental age who attend church. A large proportion of these have regular contact with their grandchildren.andnbsp;More than 60% see them every week, and thanks to working parents, parental illness and divorce, an astonishing 37% spend at least three days each week grandchild-minding.andnbsp;Some... Fri, 28 Dec 2007 22:14:41 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/16/477/September-07-James-Grandparents.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/15/477/August-07-Graham-More-on-Dawkins-and-Religion.html The criticism is valid of certain forms of religion. However, Dawkins forgets that the rational enterprise which he loves has come out of the centuries of Christian Faith. It was belief in the good providence of God which gave a security to life so as to encourage travel, art and science. We are not, as in Greek and Roman times, anxious about offending the gods. But if we continue to throw away our belief in God, we will fall back into fear of the world. Contrary to Dawkins we Christians would argue that reason plays a vital part in a... Fri, 28 Dec 2007 22:12:44 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/15/477/August-07-Graham-More-on-Dawkins-and-Religion.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/14/477/July-07-James-Self-help.html Avid self-helpers can quickly learn how to do almost anything.andnbsp;Detox, get fit, lose weight, be at peace, banish stress, become an amazing lover, influence others, heal yourself andndash; the list is endless, and most of the titles sound fairly harmless or even quite a good idea.andnbsp;After all, who doesnandrsquo;t want to lose a little weight or be a little less stressed?andnbsp;We may smile at some of the more extravagant promises on the dust jackets, but thatandrsquo;s about as far as any hesitation about their content is likely to go. What we may not realise is the extent to which... Fri, 28 Dec 2007 22:09:49 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/14/477/July-07-James-Self-help.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/13/477/June-07-Graham-Delusion---God-or-Dawkins.html Dawkins, an expert in evolutionary biology, argues that the principle of andlsquo;natural selectionandrsquo; or Darwinism is, according to the evidence, the only credible explanation for the origin, diversity and wonder of the earthandrsquo;s living species, including human beings. Over millions of years, particular examples of a species, varying according to gene mutation, have survivedandnbsp;by the natural process of selection by advantage over other variants.andnbsp;Having survived, they replicate, and their offspring sharing their advantages, also survive andndash; and so on. A god who designed this world in its amazingly intricate detail would have to be so complex in his understanding, says... Fri, 28 Dec 2007 22:07:38 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/13/477/June-07-Graham-Delusion---God-or-Dawkins.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/12/477/May-07-James-Walk-Cumbria.html Before starting a new job as Residentiary Canon at Chester Cathedral I read andlsquo;The Choirandrsquo; by Joanna Trollope.andnbsp;As it transpired, I could have had no better preparation!andnbsp;So before moving on to Cumbria, I eagerly devoured andlsquo;Credoandrsquo; by Melvyn Bragg, with its gripping account of early Celtic missionaries walking across andlsquo;Rhegedandrsquo; and bringing the Christian gospel to northern villages and towns.andnbsp;That too resonates with contemporary reality as Walk Cumbria unfolds across the county this month. Nearly six hundred andlsquo;missionariesandrsquo; from all over Britain will be tramping our roads and paths for the first three weeks of May.andnbsp;Dressed in distinctive blue... Fri, 28 Dec 2007 22:05:37 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/12/477/May-07-James-Walk-Cumbria.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/11/477/April-07-James-Gambling.html First came the Lottery, followed by on-line gambling (which attracts up to six million punters in the U.K. if some statistics are to be believed).andnbsp;Then there was andlsquo;Casino Royaleandrsquo;, the new Bond film with its scenes of glamorous sophistication and wealth beyond most peopleandrsquo;s dreams.andnbsp;On a more mundane level, Bingo is making a come-back.andnbsp;Finally, there was the dramatic announcement that a new super-casino would be in Manchester rather than Blackpool or the Dome.andnbsp;Locations for a further 16 smaller casinos will be revealed in due course. andlsquo;So what?andrsquo; some would argue.andnbsp;andlsquo;Doesnandrsquo;t all this offer legitimate enjoyment and social contact which... Fri, 28 Dec 2007 21:59:27 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/11/477/April-07-James-Gambling.html http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/5/477/Bishops-Letter---March-07-Graham.html Over the past few weeks we have seen an unprecedented step taken by the government against the churches and in particular the Roman Catholic Church. In spite of the fact that there are many adoption agencies open to gay couples, the government has chosen legally to force the Roman Catholic adoption agencies either to close or to accept the government’s moral stance on the issue. It has done this in the full knowledge that the moral teaching of the Roman Catholic Church makes it completely unable to accept such adoptions. Not only are there a great many Christians from other... Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:06:53 +0000 http://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/news/5/477/Bishops-Letter---March-07-Graham.html