The Archdeacon of Carlisle, the Ven Richard Pratt, has announced he is to retire at the end of March.

Richard has served in Cumbria for more than 26 years, initially as Priest-in-Charge of St Cuthbert’s with St Mary’s in Carlisle from 1997 before his appointment as Archdeacon of West Cumberland in 2009.

From 2020 he served as Associate Archdeacon of West Cumberland whilst also holding parochial duties for Maryport, before his appointment as Archdeacon of Carlisle last year.

Richard, aged 68, said: “I’m hugely thankful that God brought me to Cumbria. I’m grateful, too, for all those clergy and lay colleagues who have been so supportive over the years and for the strong friendships that have resulted.

“Whilst sad to be preparing to leave I am also looking forward to spending more time with my wife and family. Everyone in the Diocese will remain in my prayers as we ready ourselves for the move.”

Richard has also held a number of other Diocesan roles, serving as Communications Officer for 12 years and then assisting with communications from 2009. He is also the chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee – overseeing church planning matters – and for four years has been chair of the board of Rydal Hall, the Diocese’s Christian retreat and conference centre near Ambleside. He was made an Honorary Canon of Carlisle Cathedral in 2002.

He added: “During my time overseeing communications there have been a number of notable incidents: the foot and mouth crisis, the west Cumbria shootings, the Tebay rail crash and several major floods.

“I very much valued being able to work alongside colleagues in other agencies during this time. Whilst the church should always be seen to have a voice, it is, perhaps, at times of tragedy and upset that this is even more important so that people know they are being prayed for, loved, and supported.”

Richard is married to Diane, who has recently retired after a career in teaching spanning 40 years. The couple have three grown up sons – Edmund, Roger and Aidan – and two grandchildren with a third on the way. They have lived in Workington for 15 years.

Richard added: “The work of an Archdeacon can be pretty relentless at times, but it is very much about creating a sense of teamwork and looking to bring people along with you.

“I want to pay particular thanks to Diane and our boys and their families for all the love and support offered throughout my ministry. I feel blessed to have them all in my life.”

Richard, whose father, Kenneth, was a chaplain at Broadmoor Prison, was ordained Deacon in 1984 before being priested the following year. Prior to ordination he graduated from Oxford University with a maths degree, later teaching the subject in Ghana before working as a computer programmer and systems analyst in Peterborough.

He attended Lincoln Theological College for training before serving his curacy at Wellingborough All Hallows in Peterborough before his appointment in 1987 as Team Vicar at Kingsthorpe with St David’s in Northampton. From 1992 he served a parish of 28,000 people as Vicar of Northampton St Benedict.

Five years later he moved to the Diocese of Carlisle where for 15 years he has been a member of the senior leadership team, supporting the Diocesan and Suffragan bishops.

The Bishop of Penrith, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, said: “Throughout his ministry here Richard has selflessly devoted himself to growing God’s Kingdom in Cumbria, both as a parish priest and later in his role of Archdeacon.

“Being an Archdeacon is not an easy role, but Richard has thrown all his effort into the support of clergy and laity in so many different places. Over very many years, I have personally been thankful for his kindness, friendship and wisdom. Our thanks go to him and to Diane for all they have done, and our prayers go with them both for a very long and happy retirement.”

Richard and Diane are to move to the north of Scotland. A service of thanksgiving for his ministry will be held at 6pm on Sunday 17 March at St Mary’s Harrington.

ENDS

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