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.