A packed Carlisle Cathedral has welcomed the Rt Revd Robert Saner-Haigh as he was installed and enthroned as the 68th Bishop of Carlisle on the 29th November.

The service of installation and welcome brought together civic leaders, ecumenical partners, visiting bishops, representatives from churches across Cumbria and guests from around the world, including the Diocese’s international mission partners. Hundreds more joined online to share in the celebrations.

During the service, the Archbishop of York’s mandate was read before Bishop Rob knocked at the great doors of the Cathedral and was formally welcomed “as our visitor and our father in God” and led to his stall in the quire. He then made the Declaration of Assent, swore the oaths of allegiance and fidelity, and was installed, anointed and finally enthroned in the episcopal seat of the Cathedral.

In his greeting to the congregation, Bishop Rob said he came “as your servant and pastor, humbly seeking the grace of God”, before inviting all present to reaffirm their baptismal vows and commit afresh to God’s service alongside him.

Preaching from Ezekiel 47 and John 7 – the vision of the river of life and Jesus’ invitation to the thirsty – he set out his simple agenda for ministry as Bishop of Carlisle.

“Our agenda is simply what it has always been, our agenda: to help people know Jesus, to help people follow Jesus more closely, and to seek the beauty, the hope, the refreshment and the healing of the kingdom of God in all the places where we have been put,” he said.

Drawing on the Cumbrian landscape and the Psalmist’s words, “I lift up my eyes to the hills”, Bishop Rob reflected on human experiences of longing and loss, and pointed to Jesus as the one who truly satisfies.

He continued:

“Friends, it is a joy to be your bishop – a follower of Jesus with you. Wherever we are – from Egremont to Appleby, from Longtown to Millom, from Bewcastle to Barrow and from St Bees to Brough – we are called to let the river of God’s love flow. Our deepest longings find their home and healing in Jesus, and together we are to bring his joy, his healing and his transformation to all the communities of Cumbria.”

The liturgy included prayers of thanksgiving for the heritage of faith in Cumbria, and presentation of the episcopal ring, and the presentation of stole, cope, mitre and staff – signs of Bishop Rob’s calling as pastor, teacher and shepherd.

As he was anointed with oil, the congregation was invited to pray that he might continue in the way of Christ the servant, recalling his earlier ordination as deacon and priest and his ministry among the people of Cumbria over many years.

In a series of commitments during the service, senior staff and ecumenical leaders pledged to share with him in the pastoral care and mission of the Diocese, while international partners promised to deepen fellowship in the gospel so that “the earth may be filled with the glory of God”. The congregation joined together in the Lord’s Prayer and in prayers of intercession for the county, its communities and those in need.

At the close of the service, the Interim Dean, The Venerable Michael Everitt presented Bishop Rob to the congregation as “anointed and enthroned as our bishop”, prompting warm spontaneous applause. A blessing was then pronounced over the county and Diocese asking that God would grant wisdom, love and compassion to all who live and work in Cumbria.

Speaking afterwards, Bishop Rob said:

“I am humbled and thrilled to be asked to minister as Bishop of Carlisle in the county I love. This is a time of continuity and change for us as a Diocese. I long to see our churches of every tradition and size, flourishing in faith, growing new disciples of Jesus and serving our communities with deep compassion and hope. We will only do this together, and always in God’s strength.”

Bishop Rob succeeds the Rt Rev James Newcome as the 68th Bishop of Carlisle.

Ends

For further information contact Rob Humphreys, Digital Support Enabler on 07387 019604 or at Robert.humphreys@carlislediocese.org.uk

The full service can be found on the Diocese of Carlisle Youtube Channel