News Stories
-
29 Jan. 2026
in Latest NewsArchbishop of Canterbury’s Confirmation of Election is welcomed
The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, has welcomed the Confirmation of Election of the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
The special service held at St Paul’s Cathedral yesterday (Wednesday 28 January) marked the date that Bishop Sarah Mullally DBE legally became the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Confirmation of Election is a legal ceremony, set within a church service, at which Bishop Sarah, the Archbishop-Elect, legally becomes the Archbishop of Canterbury. Archbishop Sarah’s first act as Archbishop was to take up the Primatial Cross and give the blessing at the end of the service.
Read more -
28 Jan. 2026
in Latest NewsKey new ministry development lead appointment is made
A key appointment has been made to support the growth of ministry development across the Church of England in Cumbria.
The Rev Jennifer Totney is to become the Diocese of Carlisle’s first Ministry Development Lead, supporting both licenced and authorised leaders, and with responsibility for spearheading two areas of the Diocese’s Ministry Development Plan: Growing Together and Growing Resilience.
She will also oversee delivery of the Northern Young Leaders Programme - our internship programme for young people aged between 18 and 30 - as well as developing mentoring and training programmes for ministers and promoting clergy wellbeing.
Read more -
25 Jan. 2026
in Latest NewsClergy husband-and-wife team head for new pastures
A husband-and-wife clergy team who have served Cumbrian communities for 60 years combined are to leave the county.
The Rev Canon Jane Maycock – currently the Diocese of Carlisle’s Acting Director of Ministry Development and Interim Diocesan Director of Ordinands – has been appointed as the new Canon Missioner and Residentiary Canon at Durham Cathedral. Her husband, the Rev James Richards, is to stand down from his role as Team Rector of the South Lakes Team.
Read more -
14 Jan. 2026
in Latest NewsRydal Hall general manager appointed to new job
The general manager of Rydal Hall – the Diocese of Carlisle’s Christian retreat and conference centre – is to step down having secured a new position.
Nigel Evans will leave Rydal Hall this month after two years developing the Lake District site and helping to further shape its mission and business strategy. He has been appointed centre manager of The Franciscan Centre Ladywell in Godalming, Surrey.
Read more -
18 Dec. 2025
in Latest NewsRev Dr Raewynne Whiteley appointed Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations
Rev Dr Raewynne Whiteley appointed Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations
The Diocese of Carlisle has made a key appointment to strengthen the way it encourages and supports vocations to lay and ordained ministry across Cumbria.
The Rev Dr Raewynne Whiteley has been appointed the new Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations. Working closely with the Bishop of Carlisle, the Bishop of Penrith and diocesan colleagues, she will oversee the discernment process for those exploring ordained and lay ministry and help develop a broader culture of vocation in local churches.
Her appointment supports the ecumenical county’s God for All vision, with a focus on discipleship and encouraging the vocation of all God’s people. This work is central to the Diocese’s ambition to establish at least 100 new worshipping communities by 2030, supported by local leaders who can nurture prayer, worship and service in communities across Cumbria.
In her new role, Raewynne will combine the statutory responsibilities of the Diocesan Director of Ordinands with oversight of a wider approach to vocations, helping people of all ages and backgrounds to explore how God may be calling them. This includes supporting ordinands and Readers in training, strengthening relationships with theological education institutions, and helping develop future leaders for a mixed ecology of church in Cumbria.
Raewynne said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the Diocese of Carlisle in this way. I’m passionate about helping people respond faithfully to God’s call, and about creating clear, prayerful and supportive pathways for those exploring both lay and ordained ministry.
“Cumbria has a strong sense of local church life and a real commitment to mission through its Mission Communities. I’m excited to work with clergy and lay leaders across the diocese to encourage vocations, to support those in discernment, and to help people connect their calling with the life of discipleship in everyday life.”
Raewynne brings wide experience in parish ministry, diocesan leadership and theological education. Since July 2024 she has served as the Diocese of Carlisle’s Vocations Lead for Ministry Development. Prior to this she was Warden and Lecturer in Practical Theology at Wollaston Theological College (University of Divinity) in Perth, Western Australia.
Earlier in her ministry, Raewynne served in the Diocese of Southwark as Deputy Director of Discipleship and Lay Ministry, and previously as Missioner for Discipleship and Vocations. She has also held academic and parish leadership roles in both the United States and Australia, including over a decade as Rector of St James Episcopal Church in New York. She holds a PhD in Practical Theology (Homiletics) from Princeton Theological Seminary.
Australian by birth, Raewynne has longstanding roots in Cumbria, with family connections in Barrow-in-Furness, and currently assists in ministry in the Appleby area, remaining closely connected to parish life in the Diocese of Carlisle.
Rachel Head, Director of Mission and Ministry Support and Innovation, said: “We are delighted to appoint Raewynne as our new Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations. This is a significant role, bringing focused leadership and additional capacity to the delivery of our Ministry Development Strategy, particularly in the areas of Growing our Own and Growing Younger.
“Raewynne is passionate about supporting people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to explore their calling, and brings both commitment and experience in vocational discernment and formation. Working with our experienced Mission and Ministry team and Assistant Diocesan Directors of Ordinands, I am excited about what she will bring to the role and how her work will contribute to our 2030 vision for developing diverse models of ministry across Cumbria.
“Our ministry development work in Cumbria is shaped by the needs of our local churches, leaders and Mission Communities. Raewynne’s ability to combine theological depth, careful listening and practical leadership will help us encourage a wider and more diverse range of vocations across the county.”
The Rt Revd Rob Saner-Haigh, Bishop of Carlisle, said: “A central part of our life together is recognising vocation, not only to ordained ministry, but the calling of every Christian to follow Jesus in the places where we live and serve in Cumbria. The Director of Ordinands and Vocations has a crucial role in helping people discern God’s call, and in ensuring that this process is prayerful, wise and supportive.
“As we work to establish new worshipping communities and strengthen existing churches across the county, we will need a wide range of leaders, lay and ordained, stipendiary and self-supporting, rooted in Christlike character and committed to serving their communities. I am delighted that Raewynne will be leading this work with us, and I look forward to all that God will do through her ministry among us.”
Raewynne will take up the role in late February 2026. Read more -
1 Dec. 2025
in Latest NewsCarlisle Cathedral celebrates installation of new Bishop of Carlisle
A packed Carlisle Cathedral has welcomed the Rt Revd Robert Saner-Haigh as he was installed and enthroned as the 68th Bishop of Carlisle on the 29th November.
The service of installation and welcome brought together civic leaders, ecumenical partners, visiting bishops, representatives from churches across Cumbria and guests from around the world, including the Diocese’s international mission partners. Hundreds more joined online to share in the celebrations.
During the service, the Archbishop of York’s mandate was read before Bishop Rob knocked at the great doors of the Cathedral and was formally welcomed “as our visitor and our father in God” and led to his stall in the quire. He then made the Declaration of Assent, swore the oaths of allegiance and fidelity, and was installed, anointed and finally enthroned in the episcopal seat of the Cathedral.
In his greeting to the congregation, Bishop Rob said he came “as your servant and pastor, humbly seeking the grace of God”, before inviting all present to reaffirm their baptismal vows and commit afresh to God’s service alongside him. Read more -
25 Nov. 2025
in Latest NewsThe Rt Revd Robert Saner-Haigh to be formally welcomed as the 68th Bishop of Carlisle
People from across Cumbria will gather on Saturday 29 November to welcome The Right Reverend Robert Saner-Haigh as he is formally received as the 68th Bishop of Carlisle during a special service of welcome and enthronement at Carlisle Cathedral at 2 p.m. It marks an important moment for the county, as someone who has lived, served and prayed among Cumbrian communities for most of his ministry begins this next chapter of leadership.
More than 500 people from across the county, the UK and overseas will attend the ticketed service, with many more expected to join the livestream on the Diocese of Carlisle YouTube channel. Behind-the-scenes moments will also be shared throughout the day across the Diocese’s and Cathedral’s social media pages.
The service reflects the heart of the county: rooted, hospitable and shaped by shared traditions. Bishop Rob will arrive on foot, having walked a section of the Cumbrian Way, symbolising his desire to journey alongside local churches and communities. He will knock on the Cathedral’s West Door, be welcomed by young people from across the county, and take his seat in the Cathedra, the ancient bishop’s seat, as prayers, music and readings (including one in Cumbrian dialect) celebrate the life and faith of Cumbria.
Apart from a short period serving in the North East, Bishop Rob has spent almost all of his ordained ministry in Cumbria. Since arriving in 2005 to serve his curacy in Appleby Deanery, he has ministered in Dalston with Cumdivock, Raughtonhead and Wreay. He later became Bishop’s Chaplain and Director of Ordinands, before spending 10 years as Vicar of Holy Trinity, Kendal. In 2022 he was appointed Bishop of Penrith, and since 2023 has been serving as Acting Bishop of Carlisle. These roles have rooted him deeply in the people, landscapes and churches of the county.
Read more -
21 Nov. 2025
in Latest NewsBishop of Carlisle Enthronement Live Stream and Order of Service
The final preparations are in place for the Enthronement of Bishop Rob next Saturday.
Over 500 people have been invited and will be in attendance from across the county and the world and entrance to the Cathedral will be by ticket only. There will be the live stream of the service available on the Diocese and Cathedral Youtube and Facebook channels so you can watch remotely. Links will be placed on social media during the day.
There are some churches who are streaming it to their congregations. In preperation for this you can download the order of service to be used alongside the live stream.
Read more -
14 Nov. 2025
in Latest NewsBishop Rob Visits Deaneries Across Cumbria Ahead of Enthronement
Bishop Rob Visits Deaneries Across Cumbria Ahead of Enthronement
In the weeks leading up to his enthronement as the 68th Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Revd Rob Saner-Haigh has been travelling across Cumbria, meeting clergy, school communities, volunteers and congregations in every deanery of the diocese.
The tour has offered people across the county an opportunity to pray with Bishop Rob, hear his reflections, and share their own hopes for the future of the diocese. Each visit has included time with local churches, community groups, and Church of England schools, reflecting Bishop Rob’s commitment to working closely with children, young people, and families.
Visiting Schools and Supporting Young People
Across the diocese, schools have welcomed Bishop Rob for collective worship, classroom visits, and conversations about faith and community life.
At Rosley Church of England Primary School, the worship leader team proudly showed him their newly completed outdoor prayer space, created after two years of planning with staff and Solway Network Youth Church Leader, Yvette Ladds. The children explained how they designed the space, selected materials, and are now using it as a quiet area during playtimes. Bishop Rob joined them to help open the space and take part in outdoor collective worship.
At Staveley CE Primary School, staff and pupils were pleased to meet Bishop Rob and learn more about his role. A special collective worship, led by Rev Olivia, welcomed new Reception pupils into the school and church family, with each child being presented with a wooden cross.
In Barrow Deanery, he spent time with pupils and staff at St James’ CE Junior School and St Paul’s CE Junior School, before visiting community projects including a clothes bank and drop-in café.
Across the county, members of Network Youth Church have also welcomed him for meals, discussions and prayer. Young leaders in Calder Deanery enjoyed an evening of conversation about leadership and engagement, while others in Barrow and Solway deaneries shared youth activities and community gatherings with him.
Gathering With Local Churches and Communities
Each deanery visit has included opportunities for people to meet Bishop Rob informally and take part in worship and prayer together.
In Appleby Deanery, he joined half-term activities for children and families in the North Westmorland Benefice before sharing in a youth tea in the Heart of Eden.
Kendal Deanery saw a strong turnout at St Thomas’ Church for their evening gathering, and in Solway the open meeting at St Mary’s, Wigton drew positive feedback; one attendee described the evening as “wonderful, inspiring, inclusive, uplifting”.
During his visit to Barrow Deanery, he joined Morning Prayer at St Aidan’s, met local clergy, and later took part in an open deanery event at St Mary’s, Walney.
Calder Deanery hosted a full day programme including visits to parishes, community groups, a school, and Network Youth Church. Clergy and lay leaders reflected on the encouragement they received from his teaching, particularly his reminders that God is delighted to work with us as we seek the kingdom where we are, and that “nothing is impossible with God”.
Looking Ahead to the Enthronement
Bishop Rob will be enthroned at Carlisle Cathedral on Friday 29 November at 2pm. The service will be livestreamed, and further details are available on the Cathedral website.
The deanery tour continues to provide a space for shared prayer, conversation, and reflection as the diocese prepares for this significant moment. Through school visits, community gatherings, and open synod meetings, people across Cumbria have been able to meet their new bishop and hear his hopes for the months and years ahead. Read more -
3 Oct. 2025
in Latest NewsBishop of Carlisle and Interim Dean of Carlisle Cathedral Welcome the next Archbishop of Canterbury
Bishop of Carlisle and Interim Dean of Carlisle Welcome the next Archbishop of Canterbury
The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Revd Rob Saner-Haigh, and the interim Dean of Carlisle, the Venerable Michael Everitt, have welcomed today’s announcement of the Rt Reverend and Rt Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Rt Revd Rob Saner-Haigh, Bishop of Carlisle, said:
“I warmly welcome today’s announcement of Dame Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury and assure her of our prayers as she takes up this role of national and international significance.
The Archbishop has a particular calling to draw people together in Christ and to serve as a focus of unity in the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion. At a time when our world deeply needs hope and God’s healing, I look forward to working with the new Archbishop to share the good news of Jesus Christ and to encourage the Church in its mission.
Please join me in praying for the Archbishop and her family, and for all who serve the Church of England in leadership, that together we may witness to God’s love for the world and for every person.”
The Venerable Michael Everitt, Interim Dean of Carlisle, said:
“I join with Bishop Rob in welcoming Dame Sarah Mullally’s appointment as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. Bishop Sarah and her family are very much in our thoughts and prayers as they prepare for this tremendous responsibility.
We are grateful to all who have carried additional responsibilities during the vacancy and continue to pray for Archbishop Stephen Cottrell and for the life and witness of the Church across these lands.”
ENDS
Read more