This message has been sent on behalf of Diocesan Secretary Derek Hurton and the Bishop of Penrith, the Rt Rev Dr Emma Ineson, to all clergy.

May we begin by thanking you, sincerely, for all you continue to do during these unprecedented times. We are well aware of the challenges that Lockdown 3.0 represents for everyone, especially as you look to continue to faithfully minister. We also appreciate the weariness that many of us feel at this time.

Indeed the COVID pandemic has created many and varied challenges for us all, not least in terms of the significant financial impacts on both the local church and the DBF. Those impacts are expected to continue into 2021 and beyond. Many of you will have taken the time and trouble to attend various Diocesan Zoom meetings during the last 10 months through which we have looked to keep you fully briefed about the latest financial situation.

You may recall that the Diocese pro-actively addressed those growing financial pressures, not least with the creation of a Financial Planning Task Group. This Group’s recommendations were adopted in the draft 2021 budget, which was subsequently approved by the Diocesan Synod. It is important to note that the recommendations included a commitment to prioritise funding for local ministry roles – stipendiary clergy, Network Youth Church leaders, etc. – in the coming years.

The budget identified that savings would have to be made in central support teams based in Church House. Much of the Church House and DBF operation has therefore been the subject of a restructure process, resulting in significantly lower costs. As you can imagine, this has been a difficult time for all those involved and you will understand the heightened levels of stress and anxiety that resulted, at what was already a difficult time due to the pandemic.

However, that restructure process is now approaching conclusion, although some roles currently remain unfilled, including pioneer roles in Barrow, Carlisle and on the West Coast that are funded through a grant from the Church Commissioners’ Strategic Development Fund.

We wanted you to have the latest information on outcomes of the restructure and attach the new organisation chart which shows who is now filling which roles. The diocesan website contacts page has also been updated to reflect the restructure.

Sadly, as a result of the restructure some of our colleagues will no longer be with us as we move forward. I am sure you will join us in offering them our sincere thanks for all they have done in support of the Diocese and its mission to grow God’s Kingdom here in Cumbria. We are sure you will join us in thanking them for their ministry and work amongst us. Our prayers will be with them as they look to new challenges.

We now look forwards together as we implement our refreshed ecumenical God for All vision and strategy. That vision is central to what we do as a diocese in the years ahead. We are also confident that through the restructure process we can provide the optimum levels of support for God for All.

Please be assured that we will continue to let you know of any further developments around the restructure, including details of appointments to the roles that are currently unfilled.

This comes with our very best wishes,

Derek Hurton/Bishop Emma

Ends

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Communications Manager, on 07469 153658, 01768 807764 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.