In his New Year message, the Bishop of Penrith references the conflicts in the Holy Land, Ukraine and Sudan, while calling for people to focus on the light of Jesus Christ in 2024.

The Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, who was filmed at St Andrew’s Penrith, also touches on the difficulties faced by thousands due to the continued cost-of-living crisis and global climate change.

Bishop Rob says: “This has been another turbulent year. The terrible conflict in Israel and Gaza, the ongoing wars in Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere, weigh heavily on us.

“Concerns which are closer to home, the cost of living, climate change, struggling public services and the great inequality we can see around us, also trouble us. We know that the world is not as it should be. We long for the coming of God’s kingdom, where things are the right way up.”

In considering the challenges ahead, Bishop Rob points us to John’s gospel and the light that we see in Jesus Christ; a light which can never be dimmed.

He adds: “This light, says John, is Jesus Christ. No trouble, no sickness, no poverty, can overcome him. He gives hope to the hopeless, comfort to those in pain, healing and strength.”

Bishop Rob concludes by urging people to turn to this light in the coming year and beyond.

To view Bishop Rob’s New Year message for 2024 visit the Diocese of Carlisle’s YouTube channel.

Notes to editors

A full transcript of Bishop Rob’s New Year message for 2024 is attached below.

“This has been another turbulent year. The terrible conflict in Israel and Gaza, the ongoing wars in Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere, weigh heavily on us.

Concerns which are closer to home, the cost of living, climate change, struggling public services and the great inequality we can see around us, also trouble us. We know that the world is not as it should be. We long for the coming of God’s kingdom, where things are the right way up.

John’s gospel speaks of a light which shines in the darkness, a light which even the greatest darkness cannot overcome. We know this light for ourselves, this Light whom the darkness cannot put out, this Light who is full of love and grace and truth, this Light who has guided and comforted countless generations before us.

This light, says John, is Jesus Christ. No trouble, no sickness, no poverty, can overcome him. He gives hope to the hopeless, comfort to those in pain, healing and strength.

As we travel into this new year, not knowing what it will bring, let us do so in hope. Not a naïve hope, but a firm hope in the light which no darkness or difficulty can overcome, Jesus Christ.

May God bless you and keep you in this coming year.”

ENDS

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