News Stories
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25 June 2025
in Latest NewsCarlisle Diocese Petertide Ordinations 2025
Three new deacons and seven priests will be ordained in the Diocese of Carlisle at a special service this weekend.
All will be ordained by the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, the Acting Bishop of Carlisle, in a joint service to be held at Carlisle Cathedral on Saturday 28 June at 11am.
The candidates include Andrew (Andy) Ward, a Network Youth Church youth worker and families worker; Allison (Al) Lee, a full-time professional and former lay reader; and Sheryl Haw, an international humanitarian aid director and hospital chaplain. Two will serve as self-supporting (unsalaried) ministers, and one will be a stipendiary (salaried) curate.
The Deacons to be ordained are:
• Andy Ward to serve Kendal Helm Mission Community
• Al Lee to serve the Three Rivers Mission Community
• Sheryl Haw to serve Carlisle Rural Mission Community
There are 34 mission communities across Cumbria which are cross-denominational and mutually supportive groupings of churches with mission at their centre.
All of the deacons completed their training with Emmanuel Theological College, created through a partnership of six north west dioceses.
The Rev Nicky Smith, Director of Ministry and Development, said: “It has been such a joy to journey with our ordinands as they have responded to God’s call. This moment in each of their lives is a culmination of many small decisions to say 'yes' to God’s plans and purposes. We delight in this and are excited to see all that God will do in and through them in the weeks and months to come. Jesus brings light and life in abundance and their witness will be part of bringing this hope to individuals and communities across Cumbria.”
A deacon is one of the orders of ministry, to which all clergy in the Church of England are admitted. The majority are then ordained priest usually a year after being ordained a deacon and are focused on the leadership of a church community. However, there are some who are ordained as Distinctive Deacons and they remain in that role for all their service. Their focus is on a servant ministry, and they act as a bridge between church and community, reminding the Church that all Christians are called to be servants as Jesus was.
Seven further candidates will be ordained priest during the service by Bishop Rob. They are:
• Ruth Illman to serve Workington Mission Community
• Susan Cole to serve Grasmoor Mission Community
• Nicholas Cole to serve Grasmoor Mission Community
• Derek Lacey to serve Carlisle Rural Mission Community
• Charles Day to serve Binsey Mission Community
• David Flitcroft to serve Coast to Fells Mission Community
• Diane Gilmore to serve Two Valleys Mission Community
From today, Wednesday 25 June, all the ordinands will take part in a retreat at Rydal Hall, the diocesan Christian retreat and conference centre, led by the Rt Revd John Thompson, former Bishop of Selby, honorary chaplain of Emmanuel Theological College and honorary bishop in the Diocese of Carlisle, supported by the Revd Nicky Smith as chaplain.
Bishop Rob said: “It brings me great joy to see those God has called embrace their vocation with passion and humility; after theological study and pastoral training, they now enrich the Diocese of Carlisle with their gifts. I am honoured to ordain them as Deacons and Priests at Carlisle Cathedral, commissioning them for service in Christ’s Church and sending them to minister in communities throughout Cumbria. Please keep them in your prayers as they embark on this new stage of service.”
The Cathedral ordination service will also be livestreamed on both the Diocese of Carlisle and Carlisle Cathedral Facebook pages.
Deacons’ Summary Profiles
Andy Ward – Kendal Helm Mission Community
Born in Brighton and raised in Dorking, Surrey, Andy spent ten years in Bogotá with YWAM, teaching in schools, leading street children outreach teams and helping plant a church for those on the margins. On returning to the UK in September 2013, he became Network Youth Church Leader for the Barrow Deanery, pioneering a youth focused congregation. Married to Sandy for twenty two years with four children aged 21, 19, 15 and 10, he balances family life with his ongoing passion for sport especially Arsenal football. Andy is training at Emmanuel Theological College and will bring his cross cultural and youth ministry experience to his curacy in the Diocese of Carlisle.
Andy says Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Al Lee - Three Rivers Mission Community
Al is a former lay reader and full time professional whose lifelong love of reading, singing and baking complements her ministry. Though raised in church, she only came fully to faith in her late thirties during a season when familiar pews offered calm and escape through life’s challenges. Happily married and governed at home by a cat with a strong will, she brings that same warmth and steadiness to her local congregation. Al is training at Emmanuel Theological College to deepen her preaching and pastoral gifts and looks forward to serving alongside her parish.
Al shared the verse that had helped her on her journey most recently was Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Sheryl Haw – Carlisle Rural Mission Community
Sheryl grew up in Zimbabwe, became a Christian at ten during a Harare youth event and was baptised at sixteen. At eighteen she left home for nursing and midwifery training in Cape Town, returning to Zimbabwe to work while saving to attend London Bible College (now the London School of Theology). After specialising in theatre work in London, she joined Medair and over thirteen years rose to Operations Director, coordinating humanitarian responses worldwide. Back in the UK she founded a consultancy and training initiative, taught at All Nations Christian College, then served ten years as International Director for Micah Global. When COVID-19 began she answered a call to chaplaincy, spending the last five years at Cumberland Infirmary and Carleton Clinic. Seeking deeper local roots led her to St Mary’s, Wreay, and on to ordination. Her curacy will be with the Dalston with Cumdivock, Ivegill, Raughton Head and Wreay Benefice, alongside continuing hospital chaplaincy.
Sheryl shared the Bible verse that had helped her most on her journey was John 21:16-18 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”
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16 June 2025
in Latest NewsCumbria Churches Celebrated in First Ever DAC Awards
The Diocese of Carlisle has taken a bold and imaginative step by launching its first Church Buildings Awards – a rare initiative among Church of England dioceses. At a time when many church buildings face rising costs, complex repairs and uncertain futures, congregations across Cumbria are growing in confidence and creativity. This awards scheme, supported by Ecclesiastical Insurance, recognises how churches are adapting their spaces to serve worship, welcome and wider community life. It celebrates not just conservation, but transformation, offering welcoming spaces that inspire people for worship.
The DAC Church Buildings Awards were open to any church in the diocese that had completed a significant project since January 2022. Entries were welcomed across five categories: Building, Care and Conservation, Environment, Churchyard, and Access and Interpretation. Churches were invited to share how their projects had enhanced their spaces for worship, hospitality, and community use. Submissions were assessed not by scale or cost, but by creativity, impact, and faithful use of resources – celebrating both bold transformations and quiet acts of care.
The awards were presented on Thursday 12 June at Rydal Hall during a special afternoon tea hosted by the DAC. Bishop Rob Saner Haigh, Chancellor James Fryer Spedding, and members of the DAC were in attendance to celebrate with church representatives from across the diocese.
The Revd Andrew B Norman, Chair of the DAC, said:
"These awards are a celebration of the imagination, diligence, and faithfulness of so many people caring for our church buildings across Cumbria. We have seen projects large and small – from creative heating solutions in rural churches to thoughtful interpretation work that shares the story of faith. It has been deeply encouraging."
2025 DAC Award Winners
· Overall Winner – Access and Interpretation: St. Peter’s Church, Heversham
For a transformational entrance project that restored access, improved sustainability, and celebrated the church’s most ancient features through thoughtful interpretation.
· Building Category Winner: St. Thomas’ Church, Milnthorpe
For a skilful reordering that turned dark, underused spaces into vibrant, welcoming areas used by the wider community, all without increasing the building’s footprint.
· Churchyard Category Winner: Holy Trinity and St. Constantine, Wetheral
For a beautifully crafted accessible path and heritage interpretation, enhancing both mission and accessibility.
· Environment Category Winner: St. Margaret’s Church, Wythop
For implementing an effective, discreet and sustainable heating solution that serves as a model for small rural churches.
· Care and Conservation Category Winner: St. Peter’s Church, Ireleth
For successfully addressing long term structural issues and restoring the church’s external character, with plans to enhance the interior for future use.
Highly Commended Projects
· St. Michael and All Angels, Beetham
· St. Thomas’, Kendal
· St. Lawrence’s, Appleby
Recognising Faithful Care
Holme St. Cuthbert, Mawbray – Commended for quiet, consistent maintenance, careful biodiversity work in the churchyard, and dedication to preventative repair.
The DAC Awards are expected to return in future years, encouraging churches to share their stories of transformation and faithful stewardship. Read more -
23 May 2025
in Latest NewsMemorial garden service for families who have experienced child loss
An outdoor service today (Friday 23 May) has seen the unveiling of a memorial garden in Kendal dedicated to families who’ve experienced child loss in any form.
The garden, at Parkside Cemetery, will provide a place of remembrance and reflection for anyone who’s experienced child or baby loss, pre or post birth.
It was officially opened at a special memorial service attended by families, community groups, representatives of all faiths and the council and which was led by the Bishop of Carlisle Designate, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh.
Whilst the service remembered all those affected by child loss, it had been called for by some of those people affected by accounts of historical abuse which centre on the Diocese of Carlisle’s former St Monica’s Maternity Home, which closed in 1970.
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22 May 2025
in Latest NewsBishop and young people explore Lord’s Prayer together
The newly nominated Bishop of Carlisle and Cumbrian young people will explore the Lord’s Prayer together at a special event next month.
Bishop Rob Saner-Haigh will be joined by members of Solway Network Youth Church (NYC) for the Lord’s Prayer event to be held in Carlisle Cathedral’s Fratry Hall on Tuesday 17 June. It will be a time of prayer, reflection and inspiration, offering a chance to reconnect with the timeless words of the Lord’s Prayer and consider how they can change our lives, our communities, and the wider world.
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16 May 2025
in Latest NewsRichard Passmore to step down from the Northern Mission Centre
A leading light in pioneering new mission and ministry across Cumbria is to stand down after 10 years in post.
Richard Passmore joined the Diocese of Carlisle in 2015 as one of the first appointments to God for All, the county’s ecumenical vision and strategy. Read more -
9 May 2025
in Latest NewsNew Bishop of Carlisle is announced
Downing Street has announced that His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh as the 68th Bishop of Carlisle.
In May 2022, Rob was appointed the Bishop of Penrith and has been the Acting Bishop of Carlisle since September 2023. Having served his curacy in the county from 2005, he has ministered for all but two years in Cumbria.
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7 May 2025
in Latest NewsNew film celebrates vocations across Cumbria
A specially produced Diocese of Carlisle film celebrating Christian calling in Cumbria has been released in support of Vocations Sunday.
Shot over two days and produced and overseen by Digital Support Enabler, Rob Humphreys, the five-minute film draws on the faith stories of three people. Viewers meet newly ordained curate, the Rev Charlie Day, the Rev Hannah Wallace who was ordained in 2022 and Network Youth Church leader Emily Milburn.
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6 May 2025
in Latest NewsPhoto Competition Winner!
Photo Competition Winner!
Earlier this year, the Stewardship Department ran a competition so that one of our many fantastic church windows could feature on the certificate.
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1 May 2025
in Latest NewsTributes paid to former Bishop of Penrith
Tributes have been paid to the former Suffragan Bishop of Penrith, Rt Rev George Hacker, following his death.
Bishop George served as Suffragan from 1979 to 1994 and in retirement went on to serve as Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Carlisle. He lived in the Appleby Deanery with his wife, June, and passed away yesterday aged 97.
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1 May 2025
in Latest NewsCelebrating The 80th Anniversary of VE Day
Join us in commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day with special services in our Churches across Cumbria. Read more