Confirmation of Election for the Bishop of Carlisle

The Diocese of Carlisle is pleased to announce that the election of the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh as the Bishop of Carlisle has been formally confirmed at York Minster, completing the legal process by which he assumes spiritual oversight of the diocese.

The service was both worshipful and solemn, combining prayer, readings, and intercessions led by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, with a formal court process presided over by the Commissary, Morag Ellis KC. The court received the required legal documents, noted that opportunities for objections had been available, but none were raised, and then issued its decree. As the service expressed, the bishop is entrusted with the “care, government and administration of the spiritualities” of the See of Carlisle. This moment — known as the confirmation of election — is the act by which a bishop lawfully takes office.

The service itself reflected a tradition that stretches back many centuries. It referred to the three stages long associated with the appointment of a bishop: nomination, election by the College of Canons, and the confirmation of that election in a court of law. The liturgy included the reading of formal directions and letters, declarations and oaths, followed by the pronouncement confirming the election and conferring jurisdiction. Prayers for the new bishop, for the mission of the Church, and for the communities of the diocese framed the legal proceedings.

A strong biblical theme ran through the service from John 21, focusing on Jesus’ call to Peter to care for his flock. In his charge to Bishop Rob, the Archbishop asked the question Jesus posed to Peter: “Do you love me? … the only question that matters.” He urged Bishop Rob to show his faithfulness by caring for the flock of Christ and reminded him that this calling cannot be carried in one’s own strength but by the help of the Holy Spirit.

The charge spoke directly about Cumbria and the life of the diocese. Archbishop Stephen called Bishop Rob to be a courageous leader and advocate of “mission to children, schools, young people, and families,” to work with others through the God for All strategy, and “to be visible in parishes and communities” across the diocese. Archbishop Stephen encouraged Bishop Rob to bring Christ-centred leadership that is healing, collaborative, consistent and sensitive to context, and to be an “agent of innovation and change,” enabling others to serve well. He also called him to serve the poor and oppressed, to attend to the sick, and to remember those who face persecution. The charge entrusted Bishop Rob with leading clergy and laity alike in preaching and teaching the gospel, overseeing the ministry of word and sacrament, and fostering an environment where people grow in confidence and are equipped for their calling. It also directed him to attend to the Church’s public witness in Cumbria and beyond — “speaking the gospel into the Public Square” — and to nurture partnerships across diverse sectors for the good of communities.

Reflecting the tone of the service, the Diocese gives thanks for Bishop Rob’s ministry and invites continued prayer for him, his family, and all who serve across Cumbria. The confirmation emphasised both continuity and fresh purpose: a renewed commitment to local parish life and to sharing the good news of Jesus in every community.

In due course, a Service of Installation and Welcome will take place at Carlisle Cathedral, where Bishop Rob will be seated in the cathedra, the bishop’s chair, as a sign of his teaching and pastoral office. Further details will be shared when available.

ENDS